Fine Art

Course summary

Exam Board – Pearson/Edexcel, Specification 9FA0 Minimum requirements for the course: Grade 6 in Art and minimum Grade 5 in English. Staff contact: Ms Cox, aco@cheneyschool.org What is Fine Art all about? Fine Art is a practical course which allows us to explore how we can communicate ideas. You will learn high level skills through painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, performance and conceptual processes. Visual language enables us to explore personal and cultural identity, sociological ideas, psychology and reflect on our place in the world. It is used in the creative process across art and design, as well as teaching skills in lateral thinking, communication and analysis. Course structure: Coursework (60%): September 2026 – January 2028: Incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work and a personal study. Exam (40%): February 2028 – May 2028: Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15-hour period of sustained focus. This allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research sources, record observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcome(s) in response to an externally set theme. Complementary courses: Mathematics, English Literature, Performing Arts, Textiles, Humanities, Languages and Sociology. Leads to: Any practical or theoretical arts-based degree, jobs in the creative industries e.g. architecture, fashion, advertising, graphic design, filmmaking, interior design, special effects, CGI artist, game design, animation, illustration, teaching, art therapy or practical apprenticeships. Resources: You will need your own set of art materials. This should include a folder, acrylic paints, watercolour paints, a range of paintbrushes, sketching pencils, coloured pencils, fineliners, a small sketchbook. You do not need to buy any specific books for this course but you may find it useful to have your own copy of 100 Ideas That Changed Art : Michael Bird What students say: ‘I love that I can pursue my own interests but also get great advice from my teachers about how to develop my ideas and skills.’