|
|
Vocational Certificate in Art
and Design |
Why
choose Art and Design?
One of the most exciting areas within
the educational spectrum is Art and Design because it involves such a wide
variety of related
disciplines which open up a number of diverse activities. These
range from the freedom of fine art to the more disciplined approach of graphic
design or product design. It is very exciting to try your hand at a whole range
of art based vocational areas.
The course is based on 12 different
units which cover many aspects of Art and design. They move from 2D to 3D and
can deal with industrial design and crafts as well as the more traditional
elements of art.
The course is highly enjoyable because
of this: different areas each demanding their own individual skills, coming
together in a fully integrated, absorbing programme.
What
does the course involve?
The course is made up of twelve units
which are comprised of different and diverse activities relating to art and
design. These units are chosen from an even wider range of art and design
units. Four of the units to be taken will be tested and this will involve
sitting four, three hour tests. However it is easier than it sounds because you
are given the examination paper four weeks beforehand and given close
instructions on how to pass them. The students that have taken them recently
have achieved excellent grades.
.
As you work your way through the course
your work will be kept in folders which will each represent one unit of work.
These folders will eventually be very useful to you as you will be able to
present them at interviews for a further course or for employment.
You will spend time working in both 2D
and 3D. The materials that you will working in range from
paint, ink and charcoal to wood, metal and plastics.
The units covered are very exciting,
introducing a wide range of activities and experiences, such as textile design;
graphic design and product design. Some of the course is concerned with
business practice and you will see how industrial based art achieves its goals.
How
is the course taught?
You will be guided through each unit by group seminars with
your class where you will have discussions on how to achieve the desired
results and also to talk around the subject matter. You will also be taught individually on a
one to one basis, which can be very useful if you do not think that you perform
well in larger groups.
At intervals the group will visit
advertising agencies; design studios and make visits to galleries in
How
is the course assessed?
Units will be assessed as we move
through the course and you will be given feedback as this takes place. The
units will culminate in a presentation given by you about what you think that
you have achieved.
The units that are tested are sent away
to the Board and you will receive the results six weeks later. Your group tutor will make an internal
assessment and these marks will be calculated on how you have achieved during
the unit. The internal marks and the outside assessed marks are put together to
give you an overall mark. At the end of the course this internal mark as well
as your portfolio will be assessed by an outside moderator.
Why
is it valuable?
The course is intended for a student
wishing to make a career in commercial art and there is a range of diverse
commercial uses such as graphics; product design; textiles; theatre design;
ceramics and interior design to mention but a few.
The course is intended as a starting
point and from here you will be equipped to move on to do a foundation course
at Norwich School of Art and then on to a design related area of higher
education. In addition the AVCE A level will be accepted on all major degree
courses. However, you might want to
embark on a career path directly and your portfolio as well as the grades you
have achieved will enable you to embark on this.
The Advanced Vocational course is
stimulating; enjoyable; exciting; and will take you forward to the next stage
in your chosen career.