Fine Art
Fine Art allows you the freedom to develop your own ideas and visual imagery using a range of media and techniques. The course also introduces you to different artists from different periods, including those working today.
Course structure
The course is made up of three pieces of coursework (each worth 20% of the final mark, 60% in total) followed by a controlled test at the end of the year, worth 40%. Importance is given to drawing from direct observation, looking at art history, and developing ideas using sketchbooks, leading to the production of larger scale finished pieces of artwork.
The three coursework projects follow themes that change each year. CCSS combines this work with many visits to Cambridge’s excellent art galleries and museums, as well as farther afield. Topics include:
- Still Life – looking at ‘vanitas’ works from Holland, as well as paintings by Cézanne, Picasso and Morandi (with visits to the Fitzwilliam Museum).
- Tribal Art – looking at African masquerade masks from Nigeria and Ghana (with visits to the Archaeology and Anthropology Museum).
- Interior/Exterior – looking at paintings and sculptures by the St Ives Group (with visits to the Kettle’s Yard house and museum).
In addition, we regularly visit London to see the major national collections, including the National Gallery and the Tate, the British Museum and the V&A. There is also the chance to take part in one of the annual overseas arts and languages trips to Spain, Italy and Turkey.
One of the great benefits of studying the subject at CCSS is the ability to work with a large range of media, borrowing from the expertise of related subjects where required, including photography, graphics and textiles.
After the GCSE course
By the end of the course you will have a comprehensive and practical understanding of what the subject has to offer, and have a clear idea of what progression onto A-level would entail. You will also be aware of the options available to study arts-related courses at university and art college.
