What will I study on the course?
You will explore 3D design as a creative medium, producing work in a range of materials, this will include model making as well as creating 3D final outcomes.
Key areas include:
- Developing ideas through research into art, craft and designers in historical and contemporary contexts
- Experiment and develop ideas with card, boards, wood, plastics, paint, mod roc and drawing materials
- Recording observations, and ideas in sketchbooks or digital formats, with annotations, you should also include mood boards and photographs.
- Realising personal intentions through final outcomes such as a sculpture, scale models and 3D objects designed to meet specific briefs
How is the course assessed?
100% non-exam assessment (coursework and externally set assignment; no written exams):
- Component 1: Portfolio – 96 marks, 60% – A sustained personal project (evidencing the journey from initial ideas to final realisation) plus further work from the course. Internally assessed and externally moderated by AQA.
- Component 2: Externally set assignment – 96 marks, 40% – Respond to one starting point from the AQA exam paper (preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time to produce final outcomes). Internally assessed and externally moderated.
Both components address four equal assessment objectives: developing ideas (AO1), experimenting/refining (AO2), recording (AO3), and presenting a personal response (AO4). Work is graded 9-1 based on practical portfolios, sketchbooks, and final pieces.
Post-16 courses
AS/A Level Art & Design, vocational courses such as BTEC or Diploma in creative subjects, or university study in art-related fields.
Careers
Theatre lighting technician, model maker, garden designer, sculptor, product designer More broadly, roles in creative industries like fine art, media, photography, or performing arts. The skills gained also support general employment by demonstrating independence, self-motivation, research, analysis, and presentation abilities.
Specific advantages
The course allows you to work in ways that matches your interests, with some projects tailored to individual preferences. It’s an open-ended program where you can incorporate your own ideas. Teachers are subject specialists with practical backgrounds, passionate about helping students grow in skill and confidence.
How useful is it in the real world?
Highly useful, as many employers value the ability to self-motivate, research, analyse, and present information effectively. It fosters creativity and problem-solving skills that are attractive across various industries, showing you can generate and execute ideas independently. The practical artistic skills apply directly to creative professions and enhance everyday problem-solving, design thinking, and visual communication.
- Excel Academy
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What will I study on the course?
You will explore 3D design as a creative medium, producing work in a range of materials, this will include model making as well as creating 3D final outcomes.
Key areas include:
- Developing ideas through research into art, craft and designers in historical and contemporary contexts
- Experiment and develop ideas with card, boards, wood, plastics, paint, mod roc and drawing materials
- Recording observations, and ideas in sketchbooks or digital formats, with annotations, you should also include mood boards and photographs.
- Realising personal intentions through final outcomes such as a sculpture, scale models and 3D objects designed to meet specific briefs
How is the course assessed?
100% non-exam assessment (coursework and externally set assignment; no written exams):
- Component 1: Portfolio – 96 marks, 60% – A sustained personal project (evidencing the journey from initial ideas to final realisation) plus further work from the course. Internally assessed and externally moderated by AQA.
- Component 2: Externally set assignment – 96 marks, 40% – Respond to one starting point from the AQA exam paper (preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time to produce final outcomes). Internally assessed and externally moderated.
Both components address four equal assessment objectives: developing ideas (AO1), experimenting/refining (AO2), recording (AO3), and presenting a personal response (AO4). Work is graded 9-1 based on practical portfolios, sketchbooks, and final pieces.
Post-16 courses
AS/A Level Art & Design, vocational courses such as BTEC or Diploma in creative subjects, or university study in art-related fields.
Careers
Theatre lighting technician, model maker, garden designer, sculptor, product designer More broadly, roles in creative industries like fine art, media, photography, or performing arts. The skills gained also support general employment by demonstrating independence, self-motivation, research, analysis, and presentation abilities.
Specific advantages
The course allows you to work in ways that matches your interests, with some projects tailored to individual preferences. It’s an open-ended program where you can incorporate your own ideas. Teachers are subject specialists with practical backgrounds, passionate about helping students grow in skill and confidence.
How useful is it in the real world?
Highly useful, as many employers value the ability to self-motivate, research, analyse, and present information effectively. It fosters creativity and problem-solving skills that are attractive across various industries, showing you can generate and execute ideas independently. The practical artistic skills apply directly to creative professions and enhance everyday problem-solving, design thinking, and visual communication.