National Extended Certificate in Art & Design

National Extended Certificate in Art & Design Summary

The qualification gives a coherent introduction to the study of art and design. The course is equivalent to one A Level. Learners develop art and design projects and gain an understanding of the creative process and will learn about associated professional practice. This qualification has a focus on a broad range of specialist art and design areas, such as visual recording and communication, critical analysis and production skills, which are used to produce a variety of art and design outcomes. The qualification is designed for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the creative industries, as part of a programme of study alongside other BTEC or A Level courses. 

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE English, Grade 5 in GCSE Maths, Grade 5 in GCSE Design & Technology and/or GCSE Art & Design: Fine Art

Course Duration

2 years

Specification

Pearson BTEC

How you will study

Design will involve a range of study techniques and assessment methods. The course requires 4 units to be studied over the two tears. There are 3 mandatory units, of which 2 of them are externally set and assessed. Some of the work is designed to develop personal practice within different art and design disciplines and media. Other aspects will involve critically analysing the work of professional practitioners and evaluating outcomes produced by themselves as well as the work of others. 

Component breakdown

Unit 1 – Visual Recording and Communication – 120 GLH – A task set and marked by Pearson and taken under supervised conditions. Learners will be given a theme and a task in order to prepare a response before a supervised assessment period. 

Unit 2 – Critical and Contextual Studies in Art and Design – 90GLH – A task set and marked by Pearson and taken under supervised conditions. Learners are provided with a brief (Part A) four weeks before a supervised assessment period in order to carry out research. Learners will be provided with monitored research sessions of three hours to produce materials that can be used in the Part B supervised assessment. The supervised assessment period (Part B) is undertaken in a single session of three and a half hours.

Unit 3 – The Creative Process – 90 GLH – Coursework – Learners explore and experiment with the stages of the creative process to develop ideas and produce outcomes. The stages and activities within the creative process are fundamental to art and design practice.  

Unit 13 – 3D Design Materials, Techniques and Processes – 60 GLH – Coursework – learners explore a range of 3D materials, techniques and processes. They will develop their skills through thorough investigation and apply them to produce a final piece in response to a 3D brief. This unit will introduce you to a range of 3D materials, techniques and processes through an in-depth investigation. Learners will use 2D and 3D ideas generation when responding to a brief, and apply their 3D skills to produce a body of work that reflects knowledge and understanding of material and technique. The technical skills developed in this unit are key for understanding 3D materials and techniques.

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