A Level Three Dimensional Design

If you are creative, independent and looking to push the boundaries of your art work, whilst developing strong technical skills and immersing yourself in design, then this could be the course for you. You will need to be self-motivated, pro-active, hard-working and open to new challenges.

Our course is for students who think creatively, want to develop their imaginative powers and are visually curious. We start with a Foundation Course that requires you to respond to stimulus, taking risks, engage in critical thinking, trialling, making and investigating. You are guided through technical processes in drawing, design, and construction in a range of materials and processes, allowing you to respond in your own style to the visual world we live in. You will then take control and ownership of your learning and start to build your personal direction, whether that be sculpture, architecture, body decoration/jewellery, public sculpture and set design supported and encouraged by specialist Art tutors and workshop technicians.

The course you select is tailored to you and it is your interests that will guide the studio practice, building a body of work, leading to final outcomes.

Additional equipment and resources may be required for individual development. Materials can be bought at cost price from the college Art store.

In years 1 and 2 you will focus on your personal portfolio, incorporating a Foundation Course, sketchpad preparation and outcomes, supported by a piece of critical writing.

In year 2, you will study an externally set examination theme, presenting a body of work responding to a given theme, leading to a final outcome created during a 15 hour period of sustained focus, under examination conditions.

You will receive ongoing feedback from teachers through formative and summative assessment, alongside peer and group critiques. This will culminate in a final exhibition at the Arts Festival in the summer term.

Your learning environment is centred around the studio where your independent learning hours will fuse with your studio practice, to stimulate visually working in sculpture and three dimensional construction, mixed media or installation. Events, exhibitions, talks, workshops, placements and work links are offered to you and there are also plenty of opportunities to connect with the exciting art scene, both locally and nationally.

Component 1: 60%

In years 1 and 2 you will focus on your personal portfolio, incorporating a Foundation Course, sketchpad preparation and outcomes, supported by a piece of critical writing.

Component 2: 40%

In year 2, you will study an externally set examination theme, presenting a body of work responding to a given theme, leading to a final outcome created during a 15 hour period of sustained focus, under examination conditions.

The minimum requirement is 7 GCSE or equivalent passes at grades 9-5 in an appropriate range of subjects, including Maths and English Language at grade 4 or above.

The college will accept one BTEC at Merit level as one GCSE equivalent.

Where a student continues on to an A-level from a GCSE subject, it is advisable for a student to have a minimum of a grade 5.

A-level Three Dimensional Design creates a stepping stone for students to progress on to a diverse range of Art Degree courses and careers. Some Further Education courses require a Foundation Course. Students have gone on to study architecture, product design, fashion, sculpture, furniture design and interior design.

A-level 3D design promotes creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, physical and practical decision making, imaginative powers, all of which are life skills crucial for employment.