GCSE (for first teaching in 2009) Expressive Arts - J367

What are the changes?

While we've made some important changes and improved our GCSEs, we haven't changed everything. Here you can see which aspects of GCSE Expressive Arts are changing, and which will stay the same.

 

What changes?

What stays the same?

Structure
  • The specification is now unitised
  • Learners can now take units at the end of the first year and re-sit units
  • Order of delivery is flexible.
  • The three-unit structure is comparable to the three-component structure of the old specification
  • Centres can still deliver this course in a linear fashion if desired.

Content
  • The focus of Unit A691 is now on the study of artworks by practitioners to inform ideas for realisation
  • Commissions are now the starting point in the practical examination
  • The principles of the areas of study that form the underpinning content are maintained
  • The specification maintains the five art forms learners can work in, using a variety of forms for outcome including still and moving image
  • The focus is still on practical outcome.

Assessment
  • Coursework now becomes controlled assessment, but flexibility in assessment is maintained
  • Assessment objectives still test the learner's ability to explore and develop, communicate and evaluate
  • Learners will produce a complete final outcome for Units A691 and A692 as well as Unit A693.
  • Learners are still assessed via outcome and portfolio evidence
  • Every centre will still be visited by an assessor from OCR who will moderate and examine at the same time
  • The recognised marking structure is kept for consistency ('Accomplished' to 'Limited')
  • The practical examination remains, but there is now greater emphasis on the commission.