Art Foundation

Level 4 / 1 Year Full Time

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design develops core skills and critical thinking and gives students experience of progression routes within art and design. Following a period of exploration, students specialise in an area they would like to pursue at degree level or within the world of work. The Foundation Course helps students find new and exciting ways of learning and encourages risk taking, experimentation and exploration of their artistic practice.

Free to applicants under 19 years on commencement of study.

''The teaching team bring their individual professional and creative practitioner skills to programme delivery for arts and media students at this experienced sixth form centre.'' - External Examiner

Assessment

Component 1 (60% of final mark)
Students choose a personal investigation to explore based around a central theme of their choosing. This starts with a significant research essay and moves into research into practitioners, experimentation leading to the development of work through subthemes. This will be resolved through a series of final outcomes.

Component 2 – Externally set task (40% of final mark)
Students respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

Skills and Careers Insight

Studying the Level 4 Art Foundation at Durham Sixth Form Centre offers a comprehensive and immersive introduction to the world of art and design. You’ll develop a broad range of creative skills across multiple mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media, while also exploring critical theory and the history of art. The course encourages you to experiment, take risks, and express your individuality, helping to build a strong portfolio that showcases your talents. Upon completion, you’ll be well-prepared for a wide variety of careers in the creative industries, including roles in fine art, graphic design, animation, photography, and interior design. Additionally, the course offers excellent preparation for further study at university or art school, where you can refine your skills and pursue specialised areas of interest in the arts.