Course information
Art and Design (3d Studies)
The King Alfred School - Barnet
02084575200
149 North End Road, London, NW11 7HY
Course summary

A course in 3D Design offers a unique opportunity within the curriculum for candidates to identify and solve real-world problems. Using insights to gain an understanding of their user, they design and then manufacture solutions for a wide range of human-centred project contexts. This will relate to an area of the candidates' design interest and can include architecture, furniture design, environmental design, jewellery, interaction design and product design, to name but a few of these potential areas to specialise in. This A-level course is intended to be of interest to candidates with a real passion for design and is suitable for those students wanting a career in design or associated areas. The program of study is based entirely on coursework and has a focus on being ‘hands-on’, proactive, independent learning with the ability to ‘think through making’ at the heart of its pedagogy. In the first year, students will take part in a range of projects that build their subject-specific knowledge, skills and understanding. In the final year of the course, students will complete two units of work for the A-level award.

Entry requirements

In general, external applicants are required to achieve at least five GCSE passes at Grade 6 or above (as required by individual subjects) for entry into our A-level courses. Ideally, DT at GCSE but students who have only studied Art will also be considered. Basic skills needed include ICT, CAD, sketching, modelling and researching, all of which are developed in the course. Students will also need to be familiar with workshop practice and have a basic grounding in the use of hand tools and workshop machinery.

How you'll be assessed

• Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%) ◦ The Personal Investigation – two integrated parts: □ A major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project and outcomes based on themes that have personal significance; □ An extended written element of 1000 words minimum, which may contain images and texts and must relate to practical and theoretical work using an appropriate working vocabulary and specialist terminology. • Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) ◦ Part 1 & 2: Preparatory study period and 15 hours of sustained focus work ◦ Externally set assignment. Responses take the form of critical, practical and theoretical preparatory work/supporting studies, which inform the resolution of ideas in the 15 hours of sustained focus study. Planning has to relate to the outcomes. The department has two extremely well-equipped “university-level” workshops and two design studios with the latest CAD/CAM. There is a blacksmith’s forge and outdoor project works. There are trips to design weeks and graduate shows. The department also has excellent links with Eindhoven’s Design Academy and Northumbria University, considered two of the best HE Design courses in the world.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthorityBarnet
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£19,059 - £22,980
Address149 North End Road, London, NW11 7HY