GCSE Art and Design at King’s offers pupils the opportunity to explore their creativity, develop essential skills, and gain insight into Fine Art and Graphic Design. The course provides a strong foundation for A Level study, with skills that are highly valued in careers such as graphic design, animation, illustration, fashion, interior design and architecture. In an evolving workplace, creativity is increasingly recognised as an asset, and this qualification highlights pupils as innovative thinkers.

Creative Expression and Skills Development: Pupils express their ideas through painting, drawing and digital media. In Fine Art, they focus on composition, texture, and form, while in Graphic Design, they develop skills in typography, layout, and visual communication.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Art and Design encourages pupils to think critically and solve visual challenges, refining their work, developing resilience and sharpening their attention to detail.

Exposure to Art History: Pupils explore key artists, movements, and techniques, drawing inspiration from both historical and contemporary works. This broadens their understanding of Fine Art and Graphic Design within a cultural context.

What Pupils Need to Succeed at GCSE:

• Time and Commitment – The subject requires both classwork and independent study. Effective time management is essential for producing high-quality work.
• Resilience – Overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes help pupils refine their work in both Fine Art and Graphic Design.
• Passion – A genuine interest in art fuels motivation and growth.

Course Structure:

Component 1: Coursework

60% of the qualification
Duration: approximately 50 weeks
Theme: Self-image

Pupils work within the titles of Fine Art or Graphic Communication to create a personal portfolio and a final piece. This component allows them to develop ideas, research, experiment with materials and present personal responses to the theme of ‘Self-image’.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (examination)

40% of the qualification
Duration: approximately 10 weeks
Examination: 10 hours (over two days)
Theme: Externally set

This component marks the culmination of the GCSE course, building on the skills developed in Component 1. Pupils must continue working within their chosen title, either Fine Art or Graphic Design. They respond to a broad theme set by the examination board, developing ideas, researching sources, experimenting with materials and techniques, and presenting a personal portfolio of development work alongside a creative final outcome, completed within 10 hours of examination time.

Examination Board: Edexcel
Specification: 3510

Mr A. Robson – Head of Art & Design