Course Overview
The Foundation Art and Design programme is a stimulating course to prepare you for Higher Education or employment that will allow you to explore a wide range of creative activities before committing yourself to a single area of study within your chosen specialist pathway. Keep an open mind and you will be on your way to joining those professional artists and designers whose work enriches our everyday lives.
You will learn through a range of projects involving investigation, research and communication skills, you will examine historical and contemporary aspects of Art and Design in order to analyse and prepare research information for written and seminar presentations.
You will be taught a range of fundamental artistic skills including drawing, mixed-media and painting which will develop into more personal techniques as you progress into areas such as textiles, fashion, 3D and digital work.
As well as regular local visits to galleries, museums and exhibitions, there will be a culturally enriching residential visit to consolidate your understanding of art appreciation and inform your own work.
What You Will Study
Unit 1 - Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice
Through studio and workshop projects you will undertake a diagnostic
investigation into visual language and creative practices. This exploratory
investigation will allow you to become familiar with and experiment within a
wide range of art, design, craft and media (creative disciplines) as part of
your journey to, or reinforcement of, specialism in Unit 2 or Unit 3. You
will learn how to research and develop your ideas and how to evaluate and
reflect on your progress at relevant stages through reflective learning journals
and online blogs.
Unit 2 - Developing Specialist Practice
The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design course is designed to help you identify and specialise within your chosen area of study, ultimately establishing a high-quality portfolio to prepare you for interview to enter Higher Education and subsequent employment. You will define your creative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and position your creative endeavour within your chosen specialist practice.
Unit 3 - Consolidating Practice
The focus of the final unit is on further development of your individuality and independence as you propose and realise your final major project integrating planning, research, ideas, methods, evaluation and reflection. Your project is displayed in the annual Art & Design exhibition - open to the public, family and friends.
- How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is continuous with final grading being subject to external moderation. Students will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, awarded for their knowledge and understanding, personal development and manipulation and translation.
- Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 9-4, including English and Maths.
AND
An A Level or Level 3 qualification, preferably in a relevant creative subject.
PLUS a portfolio of work.
- Further Study
This course will allow you to progress on to our HNC/HND in Art & Design (Fine Art) at Wakefield College or other degree courses in Art and Design at both local and national universities and other Higher Education institutions.
Should you wish to apply, please note that most Universities will expect GCSE’s in Maths and/or English depending on your chosen subject.
