Art & Design (OCR Level 3)
Why study Art & Design?
The study of Art & Design is valuable in its own right; we are living in an environment which is increasingly visually aware. The ‘creative industries’ are now one of the most important generators of wealth in this country. A visual education will be advantageous for everyone in the 21st century. It can lead towards careers such as advertising, applied arts and crafts, architecture, design, costume design, fillm and television production, fine art, illustration, interior design, marketing, new
media, publishing, theatre design and web design.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 3
- GCSE Art – grade 4 (or Merit in Level 2 BTEC Art & Design)
A passion and interest for Art & Design is essential.
The Course
This course is best suited to students who want to go into the creative industry or study a creative-based degree. The course has a very heavy artwork load and the student will have a minimum of three projects running simultaneously, so time management is an essential skill. Students will follow briefs set by tutors that relate to a specific unit. You will be expected to annotate your work, write about the work of artists and designers so written work will be a natural and essential part of the course. The course concludes with a final major project in year two, based on a residential trip away.
Course Activities
Lessons will be predominantly practically based. You will be given clear demonstrations of processes and you will be given time to explore these both in small groups and independently. You will be encouraged to talk about your work using specialist vocabulary and to discuss your ideas and your understanding of other artists’ work with your tutor and fellow students. Be prepared to write about your ideas and the work of others. Written evaluation forms an extremely important part of this course. Your sketchbooks/work boards should be thoroughly annotated.
Career and Progression Opportunities
Many Art & Design students choose to pursue their studies at a higher level and there are two main pathways: an Art Diploma (Foundation) or direct entry into Higher Education. Future career options include spatial design, architecture (exterior/interior), photography, fine art, textile design, graphic design, model making, special effects, computer games design and teaching.
Course Structure and Assessment
Unit 1: Art & Design in Context
This unit looks at key trends, movements and events in the context of a chosen art or design discipline.
Unit 10: How Artists and Designers Use 2D Materials, Techniques and Processes
This unit enables students to look at the work of artists or designers and characteristics and working properies of 2D design materials, techniques and processes.
Unit 11: How Artists and Designers Use 3D Materials, Techniques and Processes
This unit enables students to investigate artists’/designers’ work to influence the generation and development of ideas for their work.
Unit 12: Planning, Researching and Developing Ideas for a Specialist Art or Design
Brief
In this unit students will research artists/designers and how their work can influence ideas, in response to a client’s brief.
Unit 13: Realising an Outcome for a Specialist Art or Design Brief
In this unit students will learn how to identify a suitable idea and investigate 2D/3D media, material,techniques and processes.
You will study a further six specialist units selected to meet the needs of the class:
- Printmaking
- Fine Art Drawing
- Fine Art Textiles
- Exploring Ceramics
- Fine Art Painting
- Art & Design Illustration
Additional Information
The College provides some of the basic materials that you will require for this course. However, you will need to purchase an art kit with all the essentials you will need to work in lessons and at home.
Examination Board: OCR