Year 8 Parents’ Evening, Thursday 29th Feb. 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Art & Design – GCSE

Qualification: WJEC GCSE in Art & Design

Course Overview

GCSE Art, Craft and Design promotes learning across a variety of experiences.  This course offers flexibility in content and approach and will provide you with the opportunity to experience a whole range of activities within the context of art, craft and design. You will have access to a range of facilities and be able to explore a theme through visual media such as painting and drawing, printing, ceramics, 3D, artist studies, textiles, graphics and photography.

GCSE Art and Design not only provides the skills needed for a pathway to AS and A-Level Art and Design or a career in the arts but also encompasses many of the key skills desired by Universities and employers, such as creative thinking, reasoning and problem-solving.  It can be a valuable option choice for many fields other than the arts and is also a fantastic choice for those who want to express their creativity. 

The course provides the support and expertise necessary for you to take the steps to becoming an independent thinker, prepared for the challenges that lay ahead in any future pathway. 

Prior Learning

There are no specific prior learning requirements. This qualification should prepare you to be able to study Art at AS or A-level or similar and is also a worthwhile course if you do not want to progress to further study in this area.

Course Content

The course comprises two modules:

Unit 1:

  • Coursework Portfolio 
  • (60% of qualification)

The Coursework Portfolio is based on internally set themes, candidates will communicate their understanding through integrated images and texts.

Unit 2:   

  • Externally Set Assignment 
  • (40% of qualification)

The Externally Set Assignment consists of two parts:

Part 1:

  • Preparatory study period 
  • (approximately 8 weeks)

Part 2:

  • 10 hour period of sustained focus work

The Externally Set  Assignment is set by the exam board. It involves a focused study on an exam question followed by a practical outcome under exam conditions.

Course Specification:

WJEC GCSE in Art & Design