OCR GCSE Art & Design: Three-Dimensional Design specification (J175)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Art & Design: Three-Dimensional Design exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE Art & Design: Three-Dimensional Design specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE Art & Design: Three-Dimensional Design (J175) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The GCSE in Art & Design: Three-Dimensional Design enables learners to explore and express ideas through functional or sculptural 3D forms. It promotes creative thinking and technical skill development using materials such as clay, wood, metal, and plastics. Students research historical and contemporary design contexts and use modelling, construction, and digital tools to generate imaginative and purposeful outcomes. The course fosters spatial awareness, innovation, and problem-solving, providing a solid foundation for progression to A Level Three-Dimensional Design or related design disciplines.Subject content breakdown
Three-Dimensional Design (J173)
- Defined as designing and making functional or non-functional objects in 3D.
Can include:
- Ceramics – hand-built or wheel-thrown forms, glaze, firing.
- Product design – items for use or manufacture.
- Jewellery and body adornment – wearable design pieces.
- Interior design – models and mock-ups for spatial environments.
- Exhibition and set design – display and theatre-related spaces.
- Sculpture – freestanding, relief or kinetic forms.
- Design for theatre/film/TV – props, settings, and 3D visuals.
Students must:
- Use a range of traditional and digital 3D materials, techniques and processes.
- Understand elements such as form, structure, texture, and space.
- Investigate design movements, makers and contexts.
- Develop, record and refine ideas through experimentation and construction.
- Present a personal and informed three-dimensional final outcome.
Assessment structure
Component 01: Portfolio (non-exam assessment)
- Worth 60% of total GCSE.
- Internally set and assessed; externally moderated.
- Includes a sustained project and other supporting work.
- Must demonstrate all four assessment objectives:
- AO1: Develop ideas with contextual awareness.
- AO2: Refine through experimentation with materials/processes.
- AO3: Record ideas and intentions through drawing, notes or models.
- AO4: Present a final 3D outcome with personal meaning.
Component 02: Externally Set Task
- Worth 40% of total GCSE.
- Paper released in January of the examination year.
- Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time.
- Students produce a final piece supported by planning and research.
- All assessment objectives must be addressed.
- Internally marked and externally moderated.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Art & Design: Three-Dimensional Design isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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