​GCSE students responded to a variety of themes including 'I, me, mine', 'order and disorder', 'hopes, fears and memories', 'ordinary and extraordinary', 'beginning and end' and 'similarities and differences'.

Feedback from GCSE art and design examiner- 

'This is a centre that supports candidates to explore artists and ideas using a wide range of processes and materials. Candidates presented a wealth of different responses in which thoughtful and creative connections are made with others work.

Candidates were encouraged to observe and respond to the world around them. Investigation was often rich and varied, with strong observational drawing in many candidates work. Analysis of others work is central to this centre’s course and all candidates are supported to explore a rich seam of contexts. Sketchbooks and display sheets were used to record observations, experiences and ideas. Final pieces, which ranged from paintings, mixed media pieces and sculpture revealed that candidates had worked with commitment and enthusiasm.

Candidates made exciting personal responses. Preparatory supporting studies in the form of a personal journey. In the strongest candidates there was an exciting sense of discovery as ideas developed. Candidates used materials very well, some demonstrating an excellent understanding of them. '

Watercolour painting created in response to the theme of 'order and disorder'. This piece explored the element of control linking to eating disorders.

Acrylic on canvas portrait created as a personal response to the work of artist Shirin Nishat based on the theme of identity.

Series of acrylic canvas portrait paintings created in response to investigations into the aesthetics of street art and Soviet propaganda.

Pencil and ink piece created in response to the explorations into textures and surfaces found in the natural world.

This biro pen drawing formed part of a series of studies based on studies into entomophobia.

Mixed media piece created in response to the Black Lives Matter campaign.

Sculptural assemblage piece based on the theme of migration. This student created this piece following explorations into the work of artist Joseph Cornell.

Mixed media sculpture based on explorations into memorable journeys and places.

Mixed media portrait inspired by by the work of artist Joe Coleman. Personal events and memories provided the inspiration for this highly emotive piece.

The student's own experiences of the London riots provided inspiration for the creation of this piece. This student explored the bold and graphic style of Soviet propaganda and the work of artist Shepard Fairey.

Mixed media ink and acrylic painting based on childhood fears and memories. This student explored the art of graphic novels and film noir as inspiration for this piece.

Large scale canvas painting inspired by research into the effects of decay in nature.

---