Art, Craft and Design
Exam board: AQA
Course code: 8201
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206
For further information, please contact Mrs R McDonnell: [email protected]
The course has been designed to allow students to develop knowledge and understanding through a variety of learning experiences and approaches, including engagement with sources. This allows them to develop the skills to explore, create and communicate their own ideas. Students demonstrate these skills through the development, refinement, recording, realisation and presentation of their ideas through a portfolio and by responding to an externally set assignment.
Course Assessment
Component 1: Portfolio
What is assessed: A portfolio that in total shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study.
How it is assessed: No time limit; 96 marks; 60% of GCSE.
Non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the school and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June.
Component 2: Externally set assignment
What is assessed: Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.
How it is assessed: Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time; 96 marks; 40% of GCSE.
Non-exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA; marked by the school and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June.
Higher Education and Careers
This course equips students with the ability to think critically, work independently, and express ideas visually and conceptually—skills that are highly valued across many sectors. Studying Art, Craft and Design encourages students to explore their individual interests and strengths, helping them discover how creativity can shape meaningful and fulfilling careers across a diverse range of industries.
Students who choose this course will:
- Be well-prepared for further study at A Level and beyond in creative disciplines
- Develop strong problem-solving, time management, and organisational skills
- Cultivate creative confidence and the ability to communicate visually and effectively
Possible career pathways include:
- Fine Art – painting, sculpture, installation, mixed media
- Architecture and Built Environment – architectural design, landscape architecture
- Design – graphic, product, industrial, illustration, interior, fashion, and textile design
- Digital Media – animation, game design, web design, and UX/UI
- Craft and Applied Arts – ceramics, jewellery, furniture, glass
- Creative Direction and Branding – advertising, marketing, visual identity
- Education and Community Arts – teaching, outreach, arts therapy
Studying Art, Craft and Design opens doors to a wide range of exciting and dynamic career opportunities in the creative industries.
Please note that students cannot study GCSE Art, Craft and Design and GCSE Graphic Communication.
Our Courses
- Art, Craft and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Design and Technology
- English Language
- English Literature
- Food Preparation and Nutrition
- French
- Geography
- German
- Graphic Communication
- History
- Mathematics
- Music
- Personal Development
- Physical Education
- Physical Education (GCSE)
- Physics
- Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics
- Spanish















