Art and Design: Three-Dimensional Design

Why study Art and Design: Three-Dimensional Design?

Three-Dimensional Design at this level gives pupils the opportunity to build on their creative and technical skills to a far more sophisticated level than at GCSE. Studying A Level Three-Dimensional Design develops qualities of self-discipline, independence of thought and the ability to form insights into the world around us. We encourage visual curiosity, experimentation with a wide range of media and, perhaps more importantly, we encourage pupils to question why we engage with design and what we are trying to communicate to our audience. A Level Three-Dimensional Design is a course that aims to teach pupils ‘how to think’ not ‘what to think’. They will be set up with skills and a portfolio which can open doors for them, be that in the field of product design, architecture or interior design.

Course content

The first year of the course is predominantly experimental and involves an introduction to the various disciplines taught within the department. This gives pupils the opportunity to see the possibilities inherent in the techniques learnt. Working with woods, metals and plastics are all areas within the Three-Dimensional Design specialism, as well as CAD (computer-aided design) and modelling materials. Alongside developing skills, pupils come to understand working to and writing a brief, alongside how their work can be placed in the design world.

Pupils will create functional objects, be that in a product design or craft context. They improve their aesthetic understanding and critical judgement, exploring the work of others to inform their choices. An important part of A Level Three-Dimensional Design is presentation, communicating ideas and intentions, whether with words, sketches or practically. Pupils will work on digital portfolios and learn industry-standard software to prepare them for their future.

Will I enjoy it?

For those with visual curiosity, who enjoy experimentation with a broad range of media and have an open mind, this is a course from which to gain great fulfilment. To encourage and nurture a love of the subject, we organise educational trips to London and abroad in conjunction with History of Art (recent destinations include New York, Paris, and Rome). We hold regular workshops and there are lots of other opportunities to bring out the best in our pupils, whatever their enthusiasms.

What else should I consider?

The creative industries are some of the fastest- growing contributors to the UK economy and A Level Art is an excellent pathway to a career within this sector. This includes all forms of Art and Design: Illustration, Fine Art, Graphics, Fashion, Film, Animation, Architecture, Spatial Design, Interior Architecture, to name a few. A Level Three- Dimensional Design is widely accepted by universities for degree courses, but it could be beneficial to pupils to complete an Art and Design Foundation Diploma after A Levels to further build specialised portfolios.

Assessment

Examination board: AQA

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%) Pupils develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artists, designers, photographers or craftspeople and include written work of between 1,000 and 3,000 words to support the practical work.

Component 2: Externally Set Task (40%) Pupils respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work that evidences their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response that addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to the production of a finished outcome or series of related finished outcomes.

Please note: pupils taking A Level Three- Dimensional Design will be charged a studio fee of £20 per term.

Who can give me more information? Mrs Mason

c.mason@sherborne.com