Remove and 5th Form CurriculumCoursework for the Edexcel GCSE examination is produced throughout the two year course, and this accounts for 60% of the overall mark. Projects are designed to develop the practical skills learned in the Fourth Form, and cover a wide range of techniques and materials. All pupils will produce a variety of three-dimensional work (card construction, ceramics, pâpiér-mache), textile design, graphic design, painting and printing. Pupils are also expected to work hard to develop observational drawing skills.
We continue to work in the same theme-based way as in the Fourth Form; each project requires pupils to respond creatively to a given title or theme (eg ‘Journeys’, ‘The Natural World’ etc). The Remove year is very structured, but pupils are encouraged to use their initiative to research and gather their own information, developing their own ideas independently. Pupils who demonstrate an ability to do this effectively are then able to make individual choices about their subject matter and the materials they want to use in the Fifth Form. The GCSE exhibition should show the best of our pupils working as real artists, producing highly personal and original work.
Looking at the work of artists and designers from a range of times and cultures is an important part of the course, and pupils will be expected to produce a special study based on one aspect of art history as part of their coursework. Gallery and museum visits will take place at least once a year.
The end of course exam accounts for 40% of the overall grade. Pupils will be given an exam paper with a set theme, and are allowed six weeks to prepare and plan a final piece, using a medium of their choice. The exam is ten hours in length.
The exam piece, together with the very best of the coursework and a coursework folder, is then put on exhibition which is internally and externally assessed. We expect a minimum of five projects, plus sketchbooks and a special study to be on display.
