WJEC Eduqas GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art specification (C651)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art 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 WJEC Eduqas GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art 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 WJEC Eduqas GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art (C651) 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 WJEC Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The GCSE in Art & Design: Fine Art provides a platform for learners to develop visual language skills and personal creative expression through a range of traditional and contemporary approaches. The course encourages exploration of materials, techniques, and concepts to produce meaningful artwork. Students investigate artists and art movements to inform their own responses, developing aesthetic understanding, problem-solving and critical reflection. The specification supports progression to A Level Fine Art and other related creative studies.Subject content breakdown
Fine Art
- Focuses on the creation of visual work primarily for aesthetic or intellectual purposes.
Can include:
- Drawing – observation, experimental or conceptual.
- Painting – watercolour, acrylic, oil or mixed media.
- Printmaking – screen, relief, etching, digital print.
- Mixed media – combining materials, surfaces or techniques.
- Sculpture – additive, subtractive, installation-based.
- Installation – spatial works incorporating a range of media.
- Land art – site-specific or environmental work.
Students must:
- Explore visual elements including line, shape, colour, form and space.
- Work with 2D and/or 3D materials and techniques.
- Research contextual sources and artists.
- Record and refine their own creative ideas through sustained investigation.
- Present a final outcome reflecting personal intent and understanding.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Portfolio (non-exam assessment)
- Worth 60% of total GCSE.
- Set and assessed by the centre; externally moderated.
- Must include:
- One sustained project based on a theme or issue.
- A selection of additional work demonstrating breadth.
- Must address all four assessment objectives:
- AO1: Develop ideas through investigations.
- AO2: Refine through experimentation.
- AO3: Record observations and insights.
- AO4: Present a meaningful personal response.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
- Worth 40% of total GCSE.
- Released in January of the examination year.
- Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised work.
- Final piece developed from initial investigations.
- Holistic assessment of all assessment objectives.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art 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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