GCSE: Fine Art & Photography
Inspiring Creativity, Building Confidence, and Developing Future-Ready Skills
At Key Stage 4, students have the opportunity to study either GCSE Fine Art or GCSE Photography, both of
which are part of the AQA Art and Design specification. These courses are designed to nurture creativity,
technical skill, and independent thinking, while also preparing students for further study or creative careers.
FINE and 3D ART Year 10
When students have chosen to explore Art at GCSE in Year 10 we begin with a projects such as ‘Myths and
legends‘ Fantastic beasts’ ‘Sea Life’ and ‘Abstract’
Students will work through their ideas from a range of starting points such as a mind map or moodboard, this
will lead onto artist research stretching their deeper thinking skills that will then inform students own
photography. We use Pinterest to enable students to look at a wide variety of inspirational images. Priestlands
has a pinterest board for every project we study from KS3 through to KS4, we also have boards that contain
tips and lessons on how to work with all art materials and techniques so students have art support that can
accessed outside of school hours.
Students will develop their skills in working with a full repertoire of 2D media depicting tone; colour; line;
shape; form and pattern and building on their prior KS3 art knowledge. They have the choice of working in a
sketchbook or on A2 paper as part of their GCSE portfolio and can experiment with painting, printmaking,
photography, papier mâché, modroc or clay to inform a final outcomes that match their themes. Students are
encouraged to be creatively independent and experimental in their ideas and throughout their projects.
The art department runs art clubs both lunchtime and after school to support the learning and development of
our students, we also offer specific workshops where students are invited to try out a new techniques such as
printmaking, clay construction or large scale sculpture. We encourage links with our Design Technology and
Textiles departments to incorporate laser cutting or sewing into their ideas and experiments.
Alongside the GCSE course we invite students to take part in our annual art residential to the Isle of Anglesey
in Wales for a range of weekend long immersive art workshops. The art residential offers students a unique
and enriching opportunity to immerse themselves in creative exploration beyond the classroom. Through
hands-on workshops led by experienced artists, students can experiment with new techniques, materials, and
styles in the inspiring environment of the Menai Straights . This concentrated time away fosters deeper artistic
growth and builds confidence in self-expression for our students.
PHOTOGRAPHY Year 10
GCSE Photography offers students a dynamic and engaging way to explore their creativity while developing
valuable technical and analytical skills. Throughout the course, students learn how to use digital cameras and
editing software such as Photoshop to produce thoughtful, high-quality images. They gain an understanding of
composition, lighting, and visual storytelling, while also studying the work of influential photographers to
inspire their own ideas. This subject encourages independent thinking, problem-solving, and self-
expression—skills that are transferable across many areas of study and future careers. Students build a
personal portfolio that reflects their creative journey, showcasing their ability to plan, experiment, and present
their work with confidence.
Example Project Abstract: “Hidden Worlds and Altered Realities” In this project, students explored the fascinating world of macro and distorted photography. Using close-up lenses and creative techniques such as refraction, reflection, and digital manipulation, they captured everyday objects from unusual perspectives. The aim is to reveal hidden details and transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Students will experiment with focus, scale, and abstraction to challenge the viewer’s perception and create visually striking images. This project encourages imaginative thinking, technical precision, and a deeper appreciation for the unseen beauty in the world around us.
Key Stage 4 course structure – Year 11
Both Fine Art and Photography follow a similar structure, consisting of two key components:
1. Component 1: Portfolio (Coursework) – 60% of the final grade
Students produce a sustained project and a selection of further work that demonstrates their skills, creativity,
and understanding of visual language. This includes:
- Research and analysis of artists, photographers, and movements
- Experimentation with materials, techniques, and processes
- Development of ideas through sketchbooks, contact sheets, and digital portfolios
- Final outcomes that reflect a personal and meaningful response to a chosen theme
- Fine Art students may work in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, or mixed media
- Photography students focus on digital photography, image editing, and creative manipulation
2. Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (Exam) – 40% of the final grade
In Year 11, students receive an exam paper with a choice of starting points set by AQA. They then have a
preparatory period (approximately 8–10 weeks) to develop a project in response, followed by a 10-hour
practical exam in which they create a final piece.
All work is assessed against four key assessment objectives:
- AO1 – Developing ideas
- AO2 – Experimenting with materials and techniques
- AO3 – Recording observations and insights
- AO4 – Presenting a personal and meaningful response
Students receive regular verbal and written feedback to help them reflect, refine, and improve their work
throughout the course. Students will gain creative confidence and the ability to express ideas visually, build on
technical skills in traditional and digital media, become critical thinkers through analysis of artists and their
own work and become experts in project management and independent learning. The course will allow
students to put together a strong and diverse portfolio for future college or sixth form applications.