Students study the  Edexcel Art & Design Syllubus; Fine Art endorsement covering disciplines; painting, drawing printmaking, sculpture and alternative media; photography and digital manipulation

Work produced for this qualification endeavours to:
• extend students language and manipulation of art materials in order to will give form to their thinking and to effectively communicate feelings, meanings and ideas
• visualise their way of seeing the world through the investigation of set themes that also encourages analytical and experimental skills
• increase independent thinking, self-discipline, perseverance and confidence
• increase an understanding of art, craft and design and an encourage an appreciation of aesthetics

Assessment - students must fulfil the four main assessment criteria:
1. Explore a diverse range of personal ideas with exciting and imaginative developments, demonstrating a critical and cultural understanding of art history.
2. Insightful and in-depth review of the work produced, resulting in creative and imaginative developments that recognises the full potential of materials and techniques.
3. Achieve a perceptive grasp of ideas evidenced through sustained, creative use of materials and a high command of skills and techniques.
4. Produce highly personal final outcomes demonstrating original thought and imaginative, inventive and exciting work.

Content
Unit 1; Personal portfolio in Art & Design is weighted at 60% coursework
Unit 2; Externally Set Assignment in Art & Design is weighted at 40% examination

Submissions for each unit contain supporting studies in the form of sketchbooks, pieces outside the sketchbook and final larger personal responses to the set themes such as; Growth & Decay in Year 10 and Cultural Identity in Year 11.
From these set themes students generate and explore potential lines of enquiry using a large range of media including; oil painting, photography; darkroom photography and digital manipulation, mixed-media/3-dimensional materials, acrylic painting, chalk pastel, charcoal, watercolour and ink.

Throughout Years 10 and 11 visiting galleries reinforce students’ understanding of critical art history and enables students to draw from live paintings, drawings and sculptures.