Helston Community College

Art Diploma

What are Art Diplomas?
These qualifications have been designed by further education experts from institutions across England and the UK to provide young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to progress to degree level study in art and design, or into employment. Intentionally designed to cultivate conditions where an interest in the visual arts can be explored, developed and creativity tested; while remaining stimulating, demanding and supportive, they help students in the transition from further to higher education and employment.

Is this course for me?
A career in art and design will lead towards a lifetime of experimentation, invention and discovery. If you have a strong feeling for a particular discipline, be it fine art, film, fashion or textiles, or know that you long to work with colour, line, form, shape and pattern and that you love to explore and experiment then a career in art and design could be for you.

What qualifications do I need?
Students should have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, at least one of which should be in an art and design subject at a grade 6 or above (or the equivalent level 2 qualification in an appropriate subject). A grade 5 in English is also recommended.

What does the course involve?
This broad-based course is designed to help you develop a range of creative skills. The first year Diploma course includes drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, graphic design, fashion and textiles and sculpture. You will be encouraged to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, and you will develop your skills in communicating your ideas and opinions, whilst you will learn about other artists and designers The Art Diploma is a very practical course that allows you to experience a range of art and design activities before choosing the field you wish to specialise in. As the course progresses you will concentrate on the skills for your chosen area and develop confidence in your own ideas and creativity. You will cover a range of skills and projects all based on actual creative and design scenarios through 8 units of study developing your knowledge and understanding for art and design in all specialist areas, ending in an externally moderated Major Final Project.

How will my work be assessed?
Units 1, 2 and 7 are externally set and marked. There is a set time under exam conditions for
evaluative writing and completion of the brief set.
Units 3, 4 and 5 are mandatory but internally assessed.

2 further units of study are made in Yr13 to reflect your own specialist area and assessed internally. In year 1 units 1,3,4, are fully assessed and completed. In year 2 units 2,5 and 7 plus 2 optional units are fully assessed and completed.

What can I do afterwards?
There may be considerably more options open to you than you first think: skills developed on your course, such as research, negotiation, problem solving and teamwork can put you in direct competition with more traditional graduates giving you an even greater pool of opportunities to consider. It may surprise you to learn that 40% of graduate opportunities advertised are open to graduates of any discipline! Even within art design & media, there is still flexibility. Graphic designers may choose to use their design skills in gardens or interiors, and fine artists have been known to become well-established film makers. It may be that you will choose to practice in several different areas - what is known as a portfolio career. We are not trying to confuse matters here, just encourage you to consider all the options! There are over 70 art-related subjects. They all relate directly to the creative industry. The creative industry is the largest industry in Britain - and growing! Nearly 20% of jobs in Cornwall are part of the creative industry. A few examples of careers & courses in Art & Design include: Architecture, Graphics, Advertising, Illustration, Fashion, Fashion Marketing, Textiles, Education, Television, Product Design, Stage Design, Ceramics, Photography, Film, Admin/ Curation, Art Therapy, Art History and Art Restoration. Games Design, Concept Design, Environmental Design, Landscape and Interior Design, Furniture and 3D design, Animation and Media.