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KS4 - AQA Art & Design

Art and design is a broad based course offering candidates experience in a wide variety of art and design activity such as drawing and painting, graphic design, photography, ICT, sculpture, design based construction, printmaking, mixed media, collage and textile design. Candidates will also pursue aspects of art history relevant to their practical work.

There are no tiers of entry and therefore all grades are available to all students based upon individual attainment throughout the course. Coursework accounts for 60% of the total end of course mark involving candidates in the production of three to four extended projects during the two year course. The controlled test carries a 40% weighting towards the final mark and takes place during February and March of Year 11. There is no extended writing but notated sketchbooks are valuable for gaining marks. Where written notes are appropriate correct spelling and punctuation are desirable to express clear meaning. Homework is a requirement of the course allowing students opportunities to extend and develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through private research and study.

To ensure the best outcome to the course candidates will be required to purchase an A4 hardbound sketchbooks and an A1 portfolio as a minimum. Other material that are particularly useful in assisting progress are a range of drawing pencils (2B, 4B, 6B), a good eraser, fine liner water based pen, white gel pen, oil pastels, small box of watercolours, pencil crayons and oil pastels.

The portfolio and sketchbooks developed during this course are particularly relevant to further studies at A level and to Further Education courses such as BTEC graphic design, photography, technical illustration, textiles and fashion and drawing and painting. Areas in which a broad understanding of art and design would be beneficial include architecture, product design, furniture design, and interior design.

Students will be encouraged to explore and exploit a variety of materials and processes in response to a theme or idea to resolve visual and tactile problems in ways appropriate to their own interests and individual strengths. Towards the end of the course candidates will mount an exhibition displaying two, three or four projects, sketchbooks and idea sheets plus the controlled test piece for final assessment and moderation by AQA.

If you have any questions or require further clarification on any aspect of the course you should contact Miss Huxley. A student course handbook is also available on request should you require one.