IGCSE Options: Art

Why study this subject?

GCSE Art and Design equips students with the skills to enjoy, produce and engage with the visual arts. It provides the opportunity to:

  • apply a creative approach to problem solving
  • to consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation
  • analyse critically their own work and the work of others
  • express individual thoughts and choices confidently
  • take risks, experiment and learn from mistakes

What will I study and learn?

In GCSE Art and Design you will explore a wide range of creative practical activities and respond in a personal way to various themes. A large range of media and materials will be used to experiment with enabling the development of many skills and techniques. These will range from painting and drawing, charcoal, print-making, collage and photography and experimental mark-making.

A wide variety of artists will be studied to develop critical thinking, artistic language and the ability to respond to them in a personal way.

How will I be assessed?

The Edexcel GCSE (9-1) consists of two internally assessed and externally moderated components:

Component 1, Personal Portfolio
Internally set – 60% of the qualification
Component 2, Externally Set Assignment
40% of the qualification

Please note that GCSEs are marked on a 9-1 scale rather than A*- U.

Future opportunities (degrees and careers)

Studying GCSE art and design enables you to progress onto A Level Art.

New 9-1 scale for GCSE

Current grades New scale How it works
A* 9 Grade 9 represents a higher level of attainment than A* boundary
Grades 8 and 9 align to grade A*		  
8  
A 7 Grade 7 aligns to current grade A boundary  
B 6    
5  
C  
4 Grade 4 aligns to current grade C boundary  
D 3    
E 2  
F 1  
u u