3D Design

A LEVEL 3D DESIGN

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for 3D Design, Design & Technology and Art students who have studied at GCSE level, have prior knowledge of and an interest in 3D Design.

Course Details

The AQA A LEVEL 3D Design course builds on the knowledge gained at 3D Design / Design & Technology GCSE level. The 3D Design A Level course enables students to explore a wide range of materials and processes to create 3-dimensional outcomes This course covers a two-year period and prepares students for further courses in architecture, interior design, product design, film and television; jewellery. The 2-year course comprises of two components.

Component 01: Personal investigation (2 parts)

In response to an idea, issue, concept or theme, students will produce the following elements.

Part 1. The Personal Portfolio: an extensive sketchbook, practical 3D studies, and final outcomes covering the assessment objectives. Practical elements should make connections with:

Part 2. The Related Study: an extended piece of writing demonstrating an understanding of an area of art related research contemporary or past designers, artists or craftspeople. The related study should consist of a minimum of 1000 words and no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work. These 2 parts contribute 60% to the overall weighting of AQA’s Art and Design A Level.

Component 2: Externally Set Task

The early release paper will be issued by the exam board on 1 February in the year of certification. It will provide learners with a range of themes each with written and visual starting points, a brief and stimuli. From these, one option must be selected by the learner on which they must base their personal response. The externally set task is a non-exam assessment. It is internally marked and externally moderated. It contributes 40% to the overall weighting of AQA’s Art and Design 3D Design A Level.

Core Content

Students are required to participate actively in their course of study, recognising and developing their own strengths in the subject and identifying and sustaining their own lines of enquiry. This allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcome(s). Learners are required to choose one or more area(s) of study, such as: • Interior/spatial/exhibition design • product design • environmental and architectural design • jewellery/body ornament • design for theatre, television and film This will require students to address each of the Assessment Objectives. AO1 Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. AO2 Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops. AO3 Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress. AO4 Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements. Students must work within the specific discipline of 3D Design.

Career Opportunities

Students will gain a broader understanding of the 3D Design industry for pathways including: Architect; Product designer; Interior designer; Furniture designer; Jewelry designer; Production designer (theatre, film and TV); Product manager; Stylist; Artistic director.