This is a specialist qualification designed to provide students with a choice of routes into further
education or employment. The course develops students’ knowledge and understanding of art and
design through a range of work related contexts. A 3 unit National Level 2 qualification is the equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

Main Topics

During the course students will work in a broad range of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, computer aided imagery, 3D construction and ceramics. Students develop knowledge and understanding of the art and design environment, art and design practice, and demonstrate practical skills, techniques and processes through working on art and design briefs.

Assessment

During the course the students will undertake a selection of the units listed below. The course aims to develop the strengths and interests of individual students through selection of appropriate units for
assessment. All units are equally weighted and internally assessed and moderated by the examination board.

Unit 1
Planning and researching for art and design briefs.
By completing this unit students will understand how to approach the first stage of an art/design brief. They will know how to carry out initial research, generate a number of possible directions, develop these and eventually present a range of final ideas for a client.

Unit 2
Exploring media, materials and techniques.
By completing this unit students will have identified a range of artists/designers whose work  stimulates investigation into how a wide range of media, materials and techniques are used to create art and design work. An understanding and knowledge of these skills underpins the work in all units and students will be able to apply, develop and adapt their art and design ideas to client based and creative project briefs.

Unit 3
Realising design ideas.
By completing this unit students will have an understanding of the final stage of the art and design process. They will be able to use any media, materials, techniques and processes to realise effective finished outcomes which meet the requirements of client-based and creative project briefs.

Unit 4 Presenting and displaying work.
Unit 5 Exploring photography.
Unit 6 Exploring fashion and textiles.
Unit 7 Exploring graphic design.
Unit 8 Exploring the work of others.
Unit 9 Exploring 3D design.
Unit 10 Exploring Fine Art.
Unit 11 Introduction to career planning for the art and design industry.
Unit 12 Work experience in the art and design industry.

Progression

Progression routes could be a GCE in Applied Art & Design or a National qualification in a specialist area such as Graphic Design, 3D, Photography or Fashion. Both routes would allow progression to a degree in HE. Students may also wish to embark on an art related career.

   Applicants from an
   outside area please
   contact Mrs Phipps