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Art & Design - BTEC Diploma

INTRODUCTION

This course is multi-disciplinary.  This means you will study Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Surface Decoration, IT for Art & Design, Ceramics, Jewellery, Model Making and Textiles.  These disciplines are taught in purposely equipped studios.

LENGTH OF COURSE

The Certificate is taken in the first year and is equivalent to one A Level.  The Diploma is taken in the second year and equivalent to a second A Level.  Therefore at the end of this programme of study you will have the equivalent of two A Levels.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

At least four GCSEs grade A* - C including GCSE English.  (If you do not have a grade A*-C in an Art & Design subject, you will be expected to provide evidence of skill through a portfolio of Art & Design work).

COURSE AIMS

This course aims to introduce students to a wide range of skills and techniques in Art & Design.  It provides underpinning skills to help progression to BA Art & Design courses or Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

The course will encourage students to develop the following skills:

• creativity, investigation, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, as well as aesthetic understanding and critical judgement.

• independence of mind in relation to developing their own ideas, refining their own intentions and personal outcomes.

• the experience of working with a broad range of media, including traditional and new media and technologies.

HOW WILL I STUDY?

The college provides well-equipped modern studios that enable the students to enjoy an exciting and supportive atmosphere that values hard work.

The course is based upon practical project briefs which relate to the Art & Design Industry.  You will be taught practical skills, and encouraged to develop your work in an independent manner through tuition from staff.  You will be required to research the work of Artists and Designers, develop visual and practical ideas and techniques, and evaluate your progress.

Project briefs are thematic and clearly define the work you need to undertake.  You will also have the opportunity of attending study visits to galleries and visits from speakers who work in the world of Art & Design.

The course is taught in 12 hours per week.  You will be expected to work for an extra 5-10 hours per week for homework.  This is usually development of your research and development of ideas in your sketchbooks (Please note that we welcome you to work in the studios in your free time).

CONTENT

BTEC Certificate:  Year One
You will study the following six units:
• Visual Recording in Art & Design
• Materials, Techniques & Processes
• Ideas & Concepts
• Communication through Art & Design
• Painting in Fine Art
• 3D Design Media, Techniques & Technology

BTEC Diploma:  Year Two
You will study the following five units:
• Contextual References in Art & Design
• Graphic Image Making
• Surface Pattern
• Fashion Visualisation
• Application, Exploration and Realisation

ASSESSMENT

Final assessment is graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.  Mid-term assessments will give you an indication on your progress by your subject teachers with suggestions to improve performance.

WHERE NEXT?

This is a practical course that will help you progress to a Foundation Diploma, a Higher National Diploma or degree in an Art & Design related area.  Therefore students studying this course should be intending to progress further into an Art & Design related area.