Key Stage 5

Qualification

AQA - Vocational A level Dual Award (AVCE) equivalent to two A-levels

Students are encouraged to develop their creative, aesthetic and practical skills through units of work which emphasise the underlying principles of art and design and relate where possible, to work situations. A wide variety of practical work in 2 and 3 dimensions is covered including ceramics, 3-D sculpture, textiles, print-making, graphic design, computer aided and digital imagery, photography, drawing and painting. Students gain a broad knowledge of the history of art.

Coursework projects are designed to address all the syllabus requirements whilst offering students the opportunity to pursue, creatively, their own interests and preferred working methods. The course gives students the opportunity to research, develop and produce highly personal outcomes and encourages independence.

Gallery visits, both local and national, are an important part of the course and students are encouraged to meet and work with practising artists and designers at every opportunity.

Course Length

Two years 

Entry Requirements

A higher grade pass in the subject at GCSE would normally be expected 

Course Delivery

Students will be taught in groups and given individual guidance through regular tutorial sessions. They will be expected to assume greater responsibility for planning their own work and monitoring its progress.

Students must complete six mandatory and six optional units of work.

Assessment Method

Each unit will be assessed by either teacher assessment of portfolio evidence, which will be moderated in school, or by external assessments which take place in January and July each year.

Progression from the course

Students may progress to a Foundation Course for one year which gives them a thorough grounding in all areas of art and design and helps students to make an informed decision about which higher education course to specialise in. Some students move straight into HND or Degree courses.

Students find careers in a wide variety of fields including Graphic Design, Education, Product Design, Performing Arts, Theatre Craft, Interior Design, Architecture, Communications, Computer Graphics, Advertising, Animation, Television, Film and many others.