AQA GCSE Art & Design: Strategies for Success in the 2026 Exams

Course Code: T0331 £249.00

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Brand-New for Summer 2025, this course will provide AQA GCSE Art & Design teachers with strategies and tools to help their students excel in the 2026 exams. The course covers effective approaches to teaching both the portfolio and the externally set assignment, focusing on developing creative and technical skills to meet the demands of the specification. Teachers will explore methods to support students of all abilities and prepare them to achieve their best outcomes.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

  • Understand the key features of the AQA GCSE Art & Design specification
  • Learn strategies for helping students develop creative and technical skills
  • Gain insights into what examiners expect in portfolio and ESA work
  • Access exemplar materials and teaching resources

PROGRAMME

Setting Students Up for Success

10.00am
  • Understanding the AQA GCSE specification and key challenges
  • Exploring characteristics of strong and weak student work
  • Structuring lessons to build creative confidence and skill development

Break

10.55am

Building High-Quality Portfolios

11.15am
  • Selecting themes that engage and inspire students
  • Supporting experimentation and skill refinement
  • Understanding the evidence required for top marks in Component 1

Preparing for the Externally Set Assignment

12.15am
  • Helping students respond effectively to ESA starting points
  • Techniques for guiding planning, research, and execution
  • Addressing common pitfalls and misconceptions in Component 2

Lunch

1.00pm

Maximising Performance Across All Levels

2.00pm
  • Differentiating for students of varying abilities
  • Providing effective feedback that drives improvement
  • Supporting students in creating meaningful and resolved final outcomes

Building Long-Term Confidence

2.45pm
  • Structuring the GCSE course to ensure consistent progress
  • Using interim assessments and intervention strategies effectively
  • Encouraging independent learning and reflection in students

Break

3.10pm

Final Q&A and Reflection

3.15pm
  • Addressing any outstanding challenges or questions
  • Sharing key takeaways and next steps for implementation

Depart

3.30pm
GCSE - Code: T0331

AQA GCSE Art & Design: Strategies for Success in the 2026 Exams

COURSE LEADER

Dr Helen Jones was a Director of Teaching and Learning in Art with 12 years teaching experience. She now lectures at the University of Chester working with Art PGCE Students, and leading national CPD in the visual Arts. She has been an AQA A level and GCSE Art & Design moderator for the past 5 years.

Helen completed an MA in Art Education and then completed a Doctorate in the subject. She has been assessed as an outstanding teacher by OfSTED, achieved record residuals at both GCSE and A level and delivered at a number of Art Education conferences. She has taught art primarily in Secondary schools in the UK, but also in Finland, Italy and Spain.

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