GCSE Art and Design

Exam Board & Specification: AQA GCSE Art & Design

Subject Lead Contact:

Mrs K Sowerbutts

What will students study at Key Stage 4?

Year 10: Recording workshops and broad experimentation across media underpin a personal line of enquiry. Students research artists/designers, test processes, and explain decisions through annotations while curating interim outcomes.

Year 11: Component 1 (portfolio/personal investigation) is refined to resolved outcomes with stronger contextual understanding. The Externally Set Assignment then drives focused research and development to a timed final piece.

What do assessments test?

• AO1: Develop ideas through investigations informed by contextual sources
• AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with media and techniques
• AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights with appropriate skill
• AO4: Present a personal, meaningful final outcome

What are the expectations of my child in this subject?

Bring full equipment, participate actively, complete homework on time, and use retrieval practice and past questions regularly. Keep notes organised and act on feedback promptly.

What should my child do if they feel they are struggling in this subject?

Speak to the teacher early, identify specific topics/skills to target, attend clinics/interventions, and use recommended resources (knowledge organisers, revision platforms, model answers).

How can I best support my child in this subject?

Discuss progress, help plan short and frequent study sessions, encourage targeted practice ahead of assessments, and ensure use of department‑recommended resources and past papers.