A – Level 3D Design – Mulberry Stepney Green

AQA have refreshed and enhanced the content of the new AS and A-level courses, while retaining what you like about the outgoing specifications. They are modern and relevant, so students can learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices.

The new qualifications place greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others needs, wants and values.

How Long is the Course and When Will it Start?

A level = 2 year course. Exam board used is AQA

What will I study?

You will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of three dimensional media, processes and techniques. You will explore both traditional and new media e.g. paper, plastics and woods. You will also explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales to communicate an idea / concept.

Students may use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work, where appropriate. Students should explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples. This should be integral to the investigating and making process. Students’ responses to these examples must be shown through practical and critical activities that demonstrate their understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

How will I be taught and assessed?

You will have three double lessons a week. There are three assessment points each term (AP’s) where you work will be marked against AQA assessment criteria.

Area of Study

You will be required to work in one or more area(s) of three-dimensional design, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas:

ceramics
sculpture
exhibition design
design for theatre, television and film
interior design
product design
environmental and architectural design
jewellery/body ornament
3D digital design.

Skills and Techniques

You will be required to demonstrate skills in all of the following:

appreciation of solid, void, form, shape, texture, colour, decoration, surface treatment, scale, proportion, structure, rhythm and movement
awareness of intended audience or purpose for their chosen area(s) of three-dimensional design
awareness of the relationship between three-dimensional design and urban, rural or other settings
appreciation of the relationship of form and function and, where applicable, the ability to respond to a concept, work to a brief, theme or topic, or answer a need in the chosen area(s) of three-dimensional design
the safe use of a variety of appropriate tools and equipment • understanding of working methods, such as model-making, constructing and assembling.

Knowledge & Understanding

You must show knowledge and understanding of:

relevant materials, processes, technologies and resources
how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts created in the context of their chosen area(s) of three-dimensional design
historical and contemporary developments and different styles and genres
how images and artefacts relate to social, environmental, cultural and/or ethical contexts, and to the time and place in which they were created • continuity and change in different styles, genres and traditions relevant to three-dimensional design
a working vocabulary and specialist terminology that is relevant to their chosen area(s) of three-dimensional design.

Progression and Career Opportunities

On successful completion of this course you will have the opportunity to further enhance your skills and knowledge by progressing on to either a foundation course, which awards you a BTEC National Diploma and prepares you for university. Or you may wish to apply straight to university to study an undergraduate degree, which will be dependent on a portfolio and interview but also the entry requirements of the university.

You can also progress to a Higher Apprenticeship as:

Advertising art director
Furniture designer
Industrial / product designer
Interior and spatial designer
Automotive engineer
Graphic designer
Materials engineer
Product manager
Production designer, theatre/television/film
Purchasing manager
Stylist

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 and above in Art/Graphics or Design Technology GCSE