Three-Dimensional Design

The Key Stage 5 3D Design curriculum encourages creativity, sustained investigation, analysis, experimentation, and practical making as a means of developing technical skills and valuing individual expression.

Three-Dimensional Design is distinguishable in this option by the emphasis placed upon functional and utilitarian considerations rather than centring on the aesthetic qualities of expressive form. Three-Dimensional Design covers a particularly wide range of activities ranging in scale from jewellery and body adornment to architectural and environmental design. Other aspects include product design, interior and exhibition design, theatre and production design. Aspects of craft may also be included, such as puppet design and construction and single items of furniture that are concerned with functionality and manual skills as well as aesthetic qualities.

The course guides students through a programme of study which draws upon their experiences of the world and can reflect their personal interests while also developing imagination and critical and reflective thinking. A particular strength of the Key Stage 5 curriculum is its focus on teaching students to innovate, adapt and work independently. Students learn to think critically and analytically; they are supported to experiment and take risks and as a result most will progress and achieve far more in two years than they would have thought possible. This course is well regarded by universities for those students who may wish to continue studying product design or engineering.

Course content and outline

YEAR 12

• A series of workshops aimed at introducing students to a new, more mature and independent approach to working.
• Exploration of various themes and media leading to 3D outcomes. This includes a more in-depth understanding of the formal elements of art.
• Substantial guided learning about artists, artistic disciplines and movements; students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills and have the opportunity to study and learn from artists and movements that particularly interest them.
• Participation in workshops run by various galleries in London
• Working to complete a comprehensive themed project

YEAR 13

• · Continue working on themed project
• · Exam

What are the major assessments this year?

The Eduqas Art and Design: 3D Design course is a two-year, linear qualification.

Assessment incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study.

Component 1: Personal Investigation, making up 60% (120 marks) of the qualification; this is internally assessed, and externally moderated.

Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points. The personal study will be evidenced through both practical, annotated development work and critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment, make up the remaining 40% (80 marks) of the qualification; this is internally assessed and externally moderated. Students are issued the questions from the 1st February of their final assessment year and my choose from one of 12 starting points.

What do assessments test?

All work is assessed internally, using four equally weighted assessment objectives (AOs).

AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

For more information, please contact Mrs Pearce, Curriculum Leader for Design and Technology: bpearce@carshaltongirls.org.uk