Art
Art, Craft and Design embodies some of the highest forms of human creativity. The art education at NMS engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they can think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They also learn how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. At NMS we inspire creativity and independence, unlock potential and out-perform expectations.
Art, Craft and Design GCSE
Art, Craft and Design GCSE is an optional subject which some students study in Year 10 and 11
Aims of the Course
GCSE Art, Craft & Design encourages students to:
- develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
- develop creative, imaginative and intuitive capabilities when exploring and making images, artefacts and products
become confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques - develop critical understanding through investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills
- develop and refine ideas and proposals, personal outcomes or solutions with increasing independence
acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent - develop knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures.
Course Content
Boasting one of the best GCSE art courses in the Northwest, year after year the course at NMS delivers highly above average results. Along with specialised workshops in ceramics, painting, and print making, students develop their drawing and photography skills through a range of themes. The course actively encourages students to become as independent and experimental as possible, welcoming all ideas from the Art, Craft and Design domains.
Assessment
Both Comp 1 and Comp 2 are assessed through the Assessment Objectives:
AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.
Assessment Breakdown |
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| Component 1: Portfolio Sept Y10 – Jan Y11 |
Weighting (60%) | Project 1: Identity Project 2: Natural Forms Project 3: Extra Curricular |
| Component 2: Externally Set Assignment Jan Y11 – April Y11 |
Weighting (40%) | 11-12 weeks prep period to complete research, experiments, development of ideas. Followed by 10-hour final timed assessment (over 2 days) |
| Total | 100% | Overall qualification grades: 1-9 |
Beyond GCSE
Many students continue to A Level or BTEC Foundation art courses to the following colleges: Aquinas, Xaverian, Marple, Stockport, and Manchester. Past students have continued to then study specific art degrees across the country, including Aberystwyth, MMU, Falmouth, and Goldsmiths. GCSE Art, Craft & Design can lead to potential careers in Architecture, Design, Fashion Design, Art Therapy, Animation, Ship Design, Furniture Restoration, Illustration, Printmaking, Photography, Theatre Management, etc.
Further Infromation
The Awarding Body for GCSE Art, Craft and Design is AQA. Further details about the specification can be found here: AQA Art, Craft and Design (8201).