BTEC First Diploma in Art & Design

About the course
This is a level 2 one year course with the qualification being equivalent to 4 GCSE’s in art and design based at the Coombe Vocational sixth form centre. Students are also encouraged to study and re-take GCSE’s in Maths, English and Science and make the most of their time here by taking part in extra curricular activities and the successful running of the sixth form.

What does taking an Edexcel BTEC First Diploma in Art & Design involve?
You will be given project directions that will require you to explore and develop ideas, carry out experimentations and arrive at a well presented final outcome within the dead line. You will of course receive guidance and support from your teachers.
This is a one year course with fourteen 55 minute periods each week.

How will I know if I will be good at it?
You do not need to have taken GCSE art and design beforehand, although obviously it can help. Whether they have studied art before or not, most of our students achieve merit or distinction. This year half our students achieved starred distinction (equivalent to 4 A* GCSE’s in art and design). Although students are very much supported at the start, we do encourage students to be responsible for their own project direction.
Are you creative and do you enjoy drawing, painting and making things, or think you might? If so and your willing to commit to working hard then this course could be for you.

Units that you will cover.
Unit1- 2D and 3d Visual Communication
Unit2- Contextual References in Art & Design
Unit3- Explore and Develop Art & Design Ideas
Unit4- Produce an Art & Design Outcome
Unit11- Working with Visual Arts Briefs
Unit12- Working with 3D Design Craft Briefs

Trips planned during the first term include day trips to the sea-side, British Museum, and the Tate Modern.

What skills will I develop and where could studying this subject lead?
You will learn to develop ideas in both 2D & 3D through research and experimentation. This is an opportunity to improve your creative skills and see whether a career in Art & Design is for you.
When all the different strands of Art & Design are considered together it makes one of the countries biggest Industries and its growing all the time! Our students tend to do very well after completing the course whether it be studying As levels at Coombe Advanced centre, or going directly to Art College or university, or going straight into employment.

The course is worth the equivalent of four A*-C passes at GCSE. Your options at the end of this course could include the following;
Study A levels in the sixth form at Coombe Girls sixth form, continue studying at the Coombe Boys vocational sixth form centre, or continuing on to a level 3 art & design course, or art foundation course.