A-LEVEL

This Art and Design course focuses on architecture and spatial design. It develops your capacity to design like an Architect and appreciate the complex relationship between the built environment and our modern world.

You will explore the full process of design, investigating past, present and future
developments in architecture, and developing knowledge and understanding of
materials and processes. You will gain skills in concept development, 3D experimentation, creating physical models and producing industry-standard working drawings and computer-generated visualisations. Activities include practical workshops, idea generation approaches and theoretical studies.

Subject requirements:
Minimum GCSE of 6 in an Art & Design or Technology subject plus GCSE 4 in English PLUS ONE of EACH of the following from personal portfolios (e.g. in Powerpoint
presentation, one image per slide):

• observational drawing;
• work showing good use of media;
• research piece on artist or designer;
• final piece of artwork or design;
• your favourite, most successful piece of work

Technology Area Coordinator/Teacher to contact - Mr D Bennett

Course Content

This course starts with short, skills-based projects, focusing on developing presentation skills, drawing techniques, CAD modelling and development/practical skills. An extended project follows, where you decide on the theme, develop ideas, select appropriate materials and produce a 3D outcome. The extended project forms the majority of the final submission and you will undertake self-directed research to inform your studies and use the design cycle to generate and refine work.

Possible project themes: Regeneration, Sustainable Design, Commercial Development and Residential Design.

Assessment Criteria

Component 1: Personal Investigation
Internally set and assessed; externally moderated. (60% of the qualification). Students
generate and develop ideas, research sources, record practical and written observations,
experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards a resolved outcome.

Component 2: Externally set assignment
Externally set, internally assessed, and externally moderated (40% of the qualification). Students generate and develop ideas, research sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas in response to
a set theme, towards a resolved outcome.

Exam Board: Edexcel 9TD0

Are you interested in:

• Architectural studies?
• Physical modelling?
• Digital design?
• Drawing techniques?
• Sustainable design?

Leading to a career in:

• Architecture
• Interior Design
• Product Design
• Set Design
• Graphics

This subject goes well with:

• History
• Mathematics
• Geography