Chelmsford County High School for Girls

Subjects

Art & Design - Exemplar GCSE Exam Artwork 2006

This OCR specification encourages a broad ranging approach to the subject which allows students to develop a sound grounding in a number of areas whilst exploring ideas and carrying out their intentions in a variety of media. An awareness of life outside of the school environment is important and this involves time spent working on location and visiting art galleries. The department currently run residential art weekends and a variety of visits abroad which have included New York, Italy, Paris and Amsterdam.

Both the AS and A Level courses build on the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired by candidates taking Art at GCSE. Although certification at GCSE is not a prerequisite of the AS/A Level course, it is expected that candidates will have developed sufficient understanding and skill for their programme of study to be rewarding and enjoyable in its own right. It may also form the basis for further specialist study at degree level.

Art and Design is not only a form of communication and a means of self-expression. It forms a language which complements those of the literary, mathematical, scientific and factually based subjects, and is especially concerned with the development of those complex mental processes involved in visual perception and aesthetic experience. Art and Design fosters and encourages through direct personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation, analytical abilities and practical attitudes.

Through direct experience of practical skills and theoretical studies, it leads to full understanding of the part played by the arts in the history of man's development. In doing so, it widens cultural horizons and enriches each student's personal resources and self-confidence.

Scheme of Assessment

Advanced Subsidiary Candidates take Units 1, 2 and 3.

A Level Candidates take Units 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6.

Unit	Level	Name	Duration	Weighting
				AS	A Level
1	AS	Coursework		30%	15%
2	AS	Personal Investigation		30%	15%
3	AS	Controlled Assignment	5 hours	40%	20%
4	A2	Coursework			15%
5	A2	Personal Study			15%
6	A2	Controlled Test	15 hours		20%

Pupils will only be allowed onto the course if they obtain a grade B or above at GCSE, but A or A* is recommended.

For further details please see Mrs M. Saunders, Head of Art.

Examination Board

OCR