You will explore 3D design as a creative medium, producing work in a range of materials. This includes 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
• Experimenting and developing ideas with materials such as card, boards, wood, plastics, paint, mod roc, and a range of drawing materials
• Recording observations and ideas in sketchbooks or digital formats, with annotations, including mood boards and photographs
• Realising personal intentions through final outcomes such as sculptures, scale models, and 3D objects designed to meet specific briefs

100% non-exam assessment (coursework and externally set assignment; no written exams):

• Component 1: Portfolio – 96 marks, 60% – A sustained personal project demonstrating the journey from initial ideas to final realisation, plus additional work produced during the course. Internally assessed and externally moderated by AQA.
• Component 2: Externally set assignment – 96 marks, 40% – Learners respond to one starting point from the AQA exam paper, with a 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 and refining (AO2), recording (AO3), and presenting a personal response (AO4). Work is graded 9–1 based on practical portfolios, sketchbooks, and final outcomes.

AS/A-level Art & Design, vocational courses such as BTEC or Diploma programmes in creative subjects, or university study in art‑related fields.

• Theatre Lighting Technician
• Model Maker
• Garden Designer
• Sculptor
• Product Designer
• Broader creative industry roles in Fine Art, Media, Photography, and Performing Arts
• Skills also support general employment by demonstrating independence, self‑motivation, research, analysis, and presentation abilities

The course allows you to work in ways that match your interests, with some projects tailored to individual preferences. It is an open‑ended programme where you can incorporate your own ideas and develop your creativity. Teachers are subject specialists with practical backgrounds, passionate about helping students grow in skill and confidence.

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 a wide range of industries, showing that you can generate and execute ideas independently. The practical artistic skills apply directly to creative professions and also enhance everyday problem‑solving, design thinking, and visual communication.