Your DD's school is the best place to be asking this, as they can tell you what the requirements are for the different boards (although I think these are pretty standard). Has your DD not been given an 'Options booklet' (or been directed as to where to find it on the school's website)?
As an example, this is from the details for Fine Art given by one of our local schooks (Southend High School for Girls):
Exam Board: OCR
What will I study?
The GCSE course prepares candidates for an individual approach to work by firstly reinforcing drawing and painting skills. It allows a later freedom of response and the use of a variety of media. This can include photography, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and textiles. Approaches to study include observational, materials-based, thematic, critical and historical. Initial work in the first unit is teacher directed with a gradual move to independence as candidates gain in confidence, knowledge and skill. An awareness of the work of artists and art movements worldwide is a necessary part of the course.
Unit 1 Coursework Portfolio:
The Coursework Portfolio consists of a sustained controlled assessment unit based on the theme of ‘Natural Forms’. Work is submitted for assessment from part of Year 10 and the first term of Year 11. Students will build on previous painting and drawing skills and be introduced to a range of materials, processes and techniques including printmaking, photography, mixed media work, ceramics and 3D Design. Students will study the work and methods of artists, designers and craftspeople.
Unit 2: The OCR-set Task:
For this unit, students receive an early release question paper in January of Year 11. Students then have preparation time to build up a sketchbook of research and development work, which culminates in a final piece of work done over 10 hours, spread over two consecutive days at the end of the course. Students create this work in the media of their choice, in response to the topic chosen from the question paper.
How will you be assessed?
Unit 1: Continuous coursework, completed in supervised class time. Weighting 60%.
Unit 2: Final examination totalling 10 hours, spread over 2 days in April/May. Weighting 40%
If you know the exam board, you can look up the specification etc on that board's website.
And yes, it can be quite / very time-consuming, but as such, quite good for honing time management skills.
One of the advantages is that the two-day Task is out of the way before the actual written exams for other subjects start.
As an example, this is from the details for Fine Art given by one of our local schooks (Southend High School for Girls):
Exam Board: OCR
What will I study?
The GCSE course prepares candidates for an individual approach to work by firstly reinforcing drawing and painting skills. It allows a later freedom of response and the use of a variety of media. This can include photography, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and textiles. Approaches to study include observational, materials-based, thematic, critical and historical. Initial work in the first unit is teacher directed with a gradual move to independence as candidates gain in confidence, knowledge and skill. An awareness of the work of artists and art movements worldwide is a necessary part of the course.
Unit 1 Coursework Portfolio:
The Coursework Portfolio consists of a sustained controlled assessment unit based on the theme of ‘Natural Forms’. Work is submitted for assessment from part of Year 10 and the first term of Year 11. Students will build on previous painting and drawing skills and be introduced to a range of materials, processes and techniques including printmaking, photography, mixed media work, ceramics and 3D Design. Students will study the work and methods of artists, designers and craftspeople.
Unit 2: The OCR-set Task:
For this unit, students receive an early release question paper in January of Year 11. Students then have preparation time to build up a sketchbook of research and development work, which culminates in a final piece of work done over 10 hours, spread over two consecutive days at the end of the course. Students create this work in the media of their choice, in response to the topic chosen from the question paper.
How will you be assessed?
Unit 1: Continuous coursework, completed in supervised class time. Weighting 60%.
Unit 2: Final examination totalling 10 hours, spread over 2 days in April/May. Weighting 40%
If you know the exam board, you can look up the specification etc on that board's website.
And yes, it can be quite / very time-consuming, but as such, quite good for honing time management skills.
One of the advantages is that the two-day Task is out of the way before the actual written exams for other subjects start.
Statistics: Posted by ToadMum — Sun Jan 05, 2025 11:00 am