Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Art & Design (Three-Dimensional Design)
Introduction
This GCSE is an exciting and creative course which focuses on developing students' skills in designing and creating 3D products. Students will have the opportunity to:
- Study existing designers and artists that make 3D products.
- Experiment with ideas and try new methods of designing and making.
- Make realistic 2D and 3D models out of wood, plastic, metal, and card.
- Create a range of portfolios to showcase their work.
- Develop CAD and 3D printing skills to further develop their skills in 3D communication.
Initially, students will be introduced to the various skills needed to communicate their ideas. They will complete mini projects that allow them to develop and identify a style of their own. This will give further opportunity to focus on a project whereby they will experiment with their favourite styles and begin creating 3D products. This could take the form of architectural models, interior design or from a range of 3-dimensional products including the use of CAD and digital media.
Students will continue to reflect on their progress while experimenting further to create more complex models and ideas. On completion of the first main project, students will then take on a more challenging project, once again developing their skills further and aiming to produce more realistic and creative models. In Year 11, students will continue with their own project work and then be given a brief that gives them several challenges that they must meet using the skills they have developed over the course.
This is a highly creative course that genuinely offers students the chance to develop a real sense of design and be able to make products that are realistic yet highly individual.
Qualification
GCSE
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
Mrs S Lau and Mr D Rooke
Assessment
- Examination: 0%
- Non-examined assessment: 100%
- Component 1: Portfolio | No time limit | 60%
- Component 2: Externally set assignment | Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time | 40%
Curriculum
Course content
Three-dimensional design is the prototyping and modelling or making of products, objects, and environments.
You will learn how to develop your skills in architecture, CAD (Autodesk) and practical making skills to develop and make products that you are interested in.
In component 1 and component 2 students are required to work in one or more area(s) of three-dimensional design, such as those listed below:
- Architectural design.
- Product design.
- Interior design.
- 3D digital design.
They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.
Students will learn how to produce visual evidence for the four assessment objectives. They will develop their technical drawing, sketching, digital manipulation, CAD (Autodesk/Sketchup) and 3D skills using a variety of materials including wood, plastic, card and paper to enable them to create realistic 3D designs and concepts.
Skills and requirements
Skills required
- An enthusiasm for developing skills in architecture, product design and CAD.
- An interest in popular design and designers to help you understand more about the subjects.
- To be able to manage your own work effectively and complete complex designs over a lengthy period of time.
- A strong interest in designing digitally and preferably experience in using 3D software prior to the course.
- A willingness to develop your visual presentation skills through sketching and technical drawing.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
A-level product design, engineering, art, drama and set design and then onto Foundation or BA courses in related subjects. This could lead to a career in product design, engineering architecture, digital media, web design, or graphic design. It could also be a good skill for academic degrees after A-level, particularly regarding creative problem solving, for instance engineering, or the sciences. Universities appreciate art as a valid qualification standard for most courses. Check on the UCAS website if unsure.
