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Course overview
During your time on the course you will have the opportunity to explore and develop your art and design skills through a wide range of specialist areas. We will enhance your knowledge and prepare you for university degree courses, apprenticeships or the workplace. You will enhance your knowledge of art and design history and contemporary practitioners, in order to support your creative development. You will produce a diverse portfolio of work that will prepare you for your next steps in Higher Education or within industry.You will cover a range of specialist areas in art and design which will enable you to build a comprehensive portfolio of artwork. The course normally runs over three days within the college week. All students are expected to give significant time to their studies outside college. Real world work experience opportunities will be part of your programme as will independent study.
Year 1
You will learn how to develop a variety of techniques and skills, using a wide range of materials. You will generate and refine ideas and outcomes in response to project briefs. You will understand how to present ideas effectively to different audiences, creating your own visual language. The course offers a range of specialist options taught by specialist staff including illustration, textiles, ceramics, 3D design, mixed media, fine art, visual studies and contextual studies. A number of internal assessments will be completed to determine your final unit first year grade.
Year 2
Year 2 will allow you to focus your creativity, strengths, skills and knowledge into one of the course specialist areas, allowing you to really develop your knowledge of materials and techniques. You will prepare a portfolio of work for interview for HE or employment routes. Second year study also allows for more independence in terms of writing your own project briefs and choosing personal outcomes. You will produce and exhibit your own work at the end of course for the college exhibition.
Maths and English
Alongside your course you will study Maths and/or English to improve your skills in these vital subjects by attending structured weekly sessions as part of your timetable. Maths and English development is also integrated in practical assignments
What else do I need to know?
Gallery and exhibition visits will be offered which you will be expected to attend as an essential part of your development in art and design. Live briefs and competitions will be undertaken too. There are detailed online resources to support you on this course and an Additional Learning Support Team if required.What are the entry requirements?
You will have a minimum of four or more high grades at GCSE in subjects relevant to the course you’d like to study, including maths and/or English Language at grade 4 or above. You will need a GCSE grade 4 or above in an Art-related subject and/or a good portfolio.
We will consider applications from students who have not taken an Art GCSE if they have a strong portfolio.
We will consider applications from students who have not taken an Art GCSE if they have a strong portfolio.
How is it assessed?
This is a hands on, practical qualification and you will be assessed throughout the programme at key assessment points. This will involve research, project work, sketchbooks, practical work, design and drawing sheets, presentations and contextual studies notes and essays. All assessments will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.
What financial support is on offer?
This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. If you are outside this age group please contact 01782 254188.
College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £23,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit www.nscg.ac.uk/finance
College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £23,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit www.nscg.ac.uk/finance
What can I do next?
On completion of the course you will gain the BTEC Extended Diploma which is accepted by universities for entry onto their courses such as: Photography, Textile Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Marketing, Media and Promotion, Crafts, Illustration, Fine Art, Art History and Costume Design. The qualification is also designed to prepare learners for appropriate direct employment in the vocational sector, and is suitable for those who have decided that they wish to enter a particular specialist area of work in the areas of Art and Design. It also gives you the opportunity to develop a range of techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
How do I find out more?
If you wish to find out more you can contact Stacey Rowell, Course Leader, by emailing: stacey.rowell@nscg.ac.uk
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