Visual Arts: BTEC Extended Diploma in Art & Design(BTEC Extended Diploma - 2 year course, equivalent to 3 A levels)

Overview This is a course which gives students a wide experience of art and design and which prepares them forapplication to degree and other higher level courses in all aspects of the subject.

Course OutlineStudents take 18 units in total. This is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

Units include:Unit 1: Visual RecordingUnit 2: Materials, Techniques and ProcessesUnit 3: Ideas and ConceptsUnit 4: Communication through Art & DesignUnit 5: Contextual InfluencesUnit 6: Application, Exploration and RealisationUnit 10: Personal and Professional DevelopmentUnit 34: Image Manipulation - Computers

Then another nine units from areas such as:• Textiles• Photography• Painting• Multi-disciplinary

The course programme uses assignments to complete the required number of units according to the specialist areas that each student chooses to follow.

AssessmentCoursework (100%)Final Major Project IncludedExamining Board – Edexcel.

Special Entry RequirementsStandard BTEC entry requirements apply - www.solihullsfc.ac.uk/courses/entry-requirements. In addition, a GCSE pass (A-C) in Art, Graphics, Textiles or Design and Technology is essential. A GCSE in Design Technology or a GCSE in Media Studies may qualify for the BTEC programme. Students who have studied either subjects at GCSE level will need to present a portfolio of their work during the interview, to help establish suitability for the course. All students are expected to undertake a period of vocational work experience. A clear DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ may be needed depending on the nature of the placement. The cost of the DBS is approximately £60.00 and if it is needed then you are responsible for this payment (details of how to pay will follow). Students must be prepared to work hard and have a passion for this subject. A personal approach is encouraged throughout the course and it is expected that students will work in their own time to independently develop their projects.

Prohibited OptionsNone.

Career and Progression OpportunitiesThe majority of our students progress into all aspects of Art and Design at a Higher level. Completing a BTECExtended Diploma course allows students to apply directly to art and design degree courses, without taking aone-year full-time Art Foundation course. Students proceed to University to study courses ranging from Fine Art to Animation, Visual Communication to Illustration, and from Textiles and Fashion to 3-Dimensional Design. Students will also be supported with other progression routes such as employment and other vocational alternatives.

Work PlacementOn this course you will be expected to undertake at least one work placement, the purpose of which is to gather information and insights about the workplace, which can be included in your College assignments. Work placements also help develop your employability skills. By the end of the course you will achieve the full Career Passport award and the placement will count as one of your Professional Development activities. See www.solihullsfc.ac.uk/courses/career-passport for more information on the Career Passport.

Cost ImplicationsThe College supplies most art materials that you will need. Students can buy sketchbooks, folders andbrushes from the Department at reduced prices. There are also a number of trips out of College. Please note, this course requires students to purchase electronic storage devices (such as an external hard drives) to

ContactAddress: The Sixth Form College, Solihull Tel: 0121 704 2581 Widney Manor Road, Solihull Fax: 0121 711 1598 West Midlands B91 3WR Email: admissions@solihullsfc.ac.uk Web: www.solihullsfc.ac.uk

save and store large files, such as images and music. Students will not be able to save these large files onto the College IT network. We advise that students also back up these files via online Cloud storage such as Microsoft OneDrive to ensure their files are secure.

VisitsOver the 2 year course the students have the opportunity to take part in the overseas trip in Y13. In previous years, visits have included Paris, Barcelona, Rome and Berlin. The students visit exhibitions at galleries and museums and experience the food and culture of the city. The research and experience feeds into the contextual development and links into the units taught on the course.

Specialist FacilitiesYou will have access to all staff in the Art department, as well as equipment. This includes Fine Art, Graphics, Print and Textile studios as well as a Sculpture studio with a kiln. We also have 40 Apple iMacs with the latest design software, including Adobe Photoshop and Director. You will also get access to cameras, including DSLRs. We also have drawing tablets and a range of printers which consists of A4/A3 inkjets, as well as an A3 laser printer. You will be expected to develop your work both during formal lessons and in your own time. The department operates an open door policy, encouraging students to return during private study time and work independently in the studios. This course can be tailored to your needs and aspirations, providing a first rate grounding for progression to university.

Other InformationIf you are seriously considering a career in art or design, the BTEC Extended Diploma will prepare you for adegree course more thoroughly than taking a combination of A Levels. It will allow you to try different areas of the subject in order to select which specialism to apply for. It will also give you the time and opportunity todevelop your art and design skills to a level where you can successfully achieve a place on a degree course. Students take a wide range of units (see above), but in the second year they specialise in one area of art ordesign in order to produce a portfolio of work for application to their chosen degree course.

Examination ResultsIn the past three years, there has been great success for students on this course, including consistent 100% pass rates. The full breakdown of results is as follows:Year Entry Distinction* Distinction Merit Pass Fail Pass %2014 20 12 5 3 0 0 100.0%2015 19 9 9 0 1 0 100.0%2016 20 13 7 0 0 0 100.0%

Case StudyAmong the recent successful students to havetaken this course is Sadia Sultana.

She came to the College from Lyndon School and studied the BTEC Extended Diploma in Art & Design, achieving the top mark of triple Distinction*. She also won the runners-up prize in the Arden Decorative & Fine Arts Society (Arden DFAS) awards in 2016 for her outstanding textiles work.

She has progressed onto Birmingham City University to study Textile Design.

Visual Arts StaffZoe Maksymiw (Curriculum Leader),Tjark Schoenfeld, Pam Basra, Paul Browning, Alison Hempsall, John Watton (Technician),Lee Bradley (Technician)