Art & Design (BTEC First Diploma)

Art & Design (BTEC First Diploma)

Awarding Body: Edexcel

Additional Information: For students who do not have Art GCSE, Design Technology (Graphic Communication or Resistant Materials) at Grade A*-C may be considered as an alternative. Students may be required to present a portfolio of their work.

COURSE OUTLINE
This is a 1 year Level 2 course consisting of 6 units. There are 4 course work units that provide broad experience that aims to develop the student's understanding of visual communication in 2 and 3 dimensions, and in vocational (employment related) contexts.

Projects carried out over the year develop thinking and making skills through a mixture of practical and theory work, carried out in specialist classrooms, the library, museums and galleries and in private study. Consideration of Art and Design in its historical context and as an area of employment is also part of each assignment. Students are encouraged to work independently and are expected to work towards carrying out their own research and development of ideas using sketchbooks and a variety of sources.

The media, materials and processes covered over the year include wood, plastics, clay, papiermâché, fabric, paint, chalk and oil pastels, pencils, printmaking and computer software programmes such as Adobe Photoshop. Projects can cover aspects of 3D design and making, drawing and painting, textiles, fashion, printmaking, sculpture and simple graphics.

The course is intended for students who are passionate about art and design and wish to make a career in that field. It is a demanding course requiring hard work but is also rewarding for any individual who is keen to develop their own creativity. Success on this course can lead to further study on a range of BTEC National Diplomas and progression to study at Degree or Foundation Level.

Assessment:
The 4 course work units are assessed internally and are externally verified. The course concludes with the Final Major Project (2 units) which is externally assessed by a visiting examiner. This project replaces any formal exams or tests and consists of the student working to a personally identified brief for a number of weeks with support from tutors.