How it all works:

​There are two components:

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• Component 1 - Is 60% percent of the mark and is based upon a personalised portfolio (coursework) which will be created in first year of the course.

• Component 2 - Is 40% percent of the mark and is based upon the externally set task (EST) which ends with a 10 hour (two day) practical exam at an exam centre. 

 

Both of these components are marked using the four Assessment Objectives:

AO1 - Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.

AO2 - Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.

AO3 - Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.

AO4 - Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.​​​

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OCR is the awarding body for the GCSE. Both components will be marked according to OCR guidelines, marking scheme and specification.

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​(Component 1) - Portfolio: 60%

This portfolio project will consist of a project/theme based on the learners interest, inspirations and aspirations. It may be presented in appropriate format for the subject/area of study chosen. For example, sketchbooks, digital presentations, mounted sheets, prototypes, animated work or illustrated written work. There is no restriction on the scale of work produced but learners should carefully consider, select, create, organise and present work to ensure that they provide evidence of meeting all four assessment objectives mentioned above.

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​(Component 2) - The externally set task: 40%

In January of year two of the course, an externally set task (EST) is provided by OCR. The EST provides a choice of themes to choose from to create a new project. Between January and March a new project portfolio will be created based upon the chosen externally set task theme.

The work created for the chosen externally set themed project will be the preparatory work which leads up to the 2 day practical exam; where a final piece will be created. 

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​The two day practical exam:

The two day practical exam is not like a normal exam with lots of writing etc. Instead, it's set over a period of two days. Students will have a plan of what they are going to create before they go into the exam and they will have already prepared for this before the two day practical exam.

 

For example, in the two days students could be painting, drawing and making. In effect, they will be creating a final piece that they will have been working towards since January which is based upon their chosen theme for the externally set task.

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Tutors and Exams require you to have your specialist tutor present. I am based on Anglesey and am able to travel to the following exam centres: Birmingham, Bolton and High Wycombe. So please book one of these exam centres. Other centres may be possible but an additional charge will be applied for travelling - please get in touch to discuss other centres if needed.

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The fee for the two day exam is booked and paid directly to 'Tutors and Exams'. It is approximately £500 for the two days.

A 10% percent discount is applied when enrolling with me as your tutor.

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Course Time Line:

Year 1 ​September - August

Creating portfolio for component 1 = 60% of the over marks

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Year 2 September - April

• September - December: Developing, completing and refining component 1 portfolio from year 1

• January - March: Externally set task to be given out and themes chosen and working towards preparing for the exam 

• March - April: Two day practical exam is to be taken at a 'Tutors and Exams' centre in the UK (date T.B.C.)

• May: Work is marked and moderated and you will receive your marks on the national GCSE results day

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Writing:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Writing is part of the coursework portfolio for Art & Design GCSE as you analyse other artists, evaluate your own work about the aims, what the work means and how it can be improved in both components 1 & 2 portfolio projects. I do provide writing frameworks, prompts and guides for this.

• The two day practical Art & Design GCSE exam requires no writing as this is where a final piece is created.​

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