GCSE Art and Design Courses

GCSE Art & Design Courses 

At Cedars we offer 3 Courses from the OCR Art and Design Suite: Fine Art;  Photography and Textiles. 

These courses offer students the opportunity to develop creativity, technical skills, critical understanding, and personal expression through practical and theoretical study. Across all pathways, students are encouraged to explore ideas, experiment with materials and processes, analyse the work of artists and designers, and create a personal portfolio that demonstrates their artistic journey. 

Course Structure 

These courses are divided into 2 Components: 

  1. Personal Portfolio (60%) – a body of coursework developed throughout the course; starting in Y10 Term 1 and completing in Y11 term 1.  Every lesson works towards developing skills, whilst selecting and presenting the best work for the portfolio.
  2. Externally Set Assignment (40%) – a project set by OCR, culminating in a sustained final outcome.  This starts in Y11 Term 2, where students complete 12 weeks of preparation work, that leads to a 10-hour practical exam, which is an opportunity to create their most successful masterpiece. 

During each project students will:  

  • Research and investigation

  • Recording observations and ideas

  • Experimentation with media, materials, and techniques

  • Development of personal responses

  • Critical analysis of artists, designers, and photographers

  • Presentation of coursework and final outcomes 

Students are Assessed on the 4 Assessment Objectives: 

AO1 

Investigate 

Research and analyse artists and sources 

AO2 

Experiment 

Explore and refine materials and techniques 

AO3 

Record 

Gather observations, ideas, and evidence 

AO4 

Present 

Create a personal and meaningful final outcome  

Fine Art 

What Will Students Study? 


Fine Art encourages students to explore a wide range of traditional and contemporary artistic practices. Students investigate themes, concepts, and issues through practical work and contextual research. 

Areas of Study

  • Drawing and illustration
  • Painting and mixed media
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture, 3D work or Installation art
  • Digital and experimental media 

Skills Developed 

  • Creative problem-solving 
  • Observational drawing 
  • Visual communication 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Independent project management 

Progression Opportunities 

Fine Art provides an excellent foundation for careers and further study in: 

  • Fine Art 
  • Illustration 
  • Animation 
  • Architecture 
  • Graphic Design 
  • Art Education 
  • Museum and Gallery Careers 

Photography 

What Will Students Study? 

Photography allows students to explore visual storytelling through lens-based media. Students learn how photographers communicate ideas, emotions, and messages through imagery while developing both technical and creative skills. 

Areas of Study 

  • Digital photography 
  • Portraiture 
  • Documentary photography 
  • Experimental photography 
  • Some Darkroom processes  
  • Image manipulation and editing 

Skills Developed 

  • Camera operation and exposure control 
  • Composition and visual communication 
  • Image editing and post-production 
  • Research and analysis of photographers 
  • Creative project development 

Progression Opportunities 

Photography can lead to pathways in: 

  • Photography 
  • Media Production 
  • Film and Television 
  • Journalism 
  • Marketing and Advertising 
  • Digital Content Creation 
  • Creative Industries 

Textiles 

What Will Students Study? 

Textiles focuses on creative experimentation with fabrics, fibres, and surface design techniques. Students investigate both traditional and contemporary textile practices while developing innovative design solutions. 

Areas of Study 

  • Fashion and costume design 
  • Surface pattern and print design 
  • Embroidery and embellishment 
  • Textile construction techniques 
  • Mixed media textiles 
  • Sustainable textile practices 

Skills Developed 

  • Design development 
  • Fabric manipulation 
  • Technical making skills 
  • Creative experimentation 
  • Research and presentation skills 

Progression Opportunities 

Textiles can provide routes into: 

  • Fashion Design 
  • Textile Design 
  • Costume Design 
  • Interior Design 
  • Product Design 
  • Buying and Merchandising 
  • Creative Arts Industries 

Why Complete an Art & Design Course? 

Students studying Art & Design courses will: 

  • Develop creativity and confidence 
  • Build a strong portfolio of work 
  • Learn independent research and analytical skills 
  • Explore contemporary and historical artists, designers, and photographers 
  • Gain valuable skills for higher education and creative careers 
  • Develop resilience through experimentation and problem-solving 

These courses are ideal for students who are curious, imaginative, willing to take creative risks, and passionate about expressing ideas through visual media.