Key Stage 4

AQA Art and Design (Fine Art) GCSE

Art and Design (Fine Art) is a highly successful subject at Kettlethorpe High School.

  • Pupils are encouraged to develop a portfolio of work based around the three key subjects in art; still-life, portrait and landscape.
  • Pupils are given starting points to create pieces of work that show their understanding of different artists’ and cultures’ work.
  • Art skills and techniques are explored, pupils have access to cameras, Photoshop, acrylic paint, inks, pastels etc.
  • Pupils are encouraged to be independent and creative in their final outcomes.
  • Work is mounted and presented with annotation. This is worth 60% of the total marks for the pupil’s grade.
  • An external task is worth 40%, where the pupils investigate a question using their acquired art skills and techniques and produces a final piece for assessment.

AQA Art and Design (Textile Design) GCSE

  • Pupils are encouraged to work on skills based and sustained projects to develop a portfolio of work using textiles, photography and still life.
  • Pupils are given starting points to create textiles work that show their understanding of textile techniques and different artists’ work.
  • A wide range of textile skills and techniques are explored, including mixed media, embroidery, dyeing, printing, painting, weaving and felting.
  • Pupils are encouraged to be independent and creative in their final outcomes.
  • Work is mounted and presented with annotation. This is worth 60% of the total marks for the pupil’s grade.
  • An external task is worth 40%, where the pupils investigate a question using their acquired art textile skills and techniques and produces a final piece for assessment.

AQA Art and Design (Graphic Communication) GCSE

  • Pupils are encouraged to work on skills based and sustained projects to develop a portfolio of work using graphic and art techniques including drawing, printing, photography, computer design and painting.
  • Pupils are given starting points to create graphics work that show their understanding of graphic techniques and different artists’ work.
  • A wide range of skills and techniques are explored, including graphic media, watercolour, gouache and acrylic paint; digital media; printmaking and mixed media.
  • Pupils are encouraged to be independent and creative in their final outcomes.
  • Portfolio of work is mounted and presented with annotation. This is worth 60% of the total marks for the pupil’s grade.
  • An external task is worth 40%, where the pupils complete the preparatory studies and produces a final piece for assessment.

Here is a recommended wider reading list for KS4 pupils.