Applied Art & Design
Applied Art and Design (Double Award)
GCSE Applied Art and Design Double Award is a two-year vocational qualification that allows students to benefit from work-related learning.
Students are encouraged to develop practical and independent learning skills and to gain experience using a range of media, materials and techniques creatively and safely. They also study the work practices of both individual art and design practitioners and small businesses. Applied Art and Design provides students with the opportunity to progress further in education or employment.
In this qualification, students are encouraged to:
• learn how creative workers operate;
• use practical experience and research to better understand connections between their own work and historical and contemporary practices;
• communicate using media and materials;
• develop independence and self-directed learning skills;
• learn how to improve practice over time;
• develop art and design skills, techniques and processes through working on project briefs;
• gain experience of a wide range of techniques for both general and specialist work;
• study the work practices of both individuals and small businesses; and
• explore opportunities for progression (including employment).
The course is divided into three units. Two coursework units and one examination unit:
Unit 1 2-D and 3-D Visual Language
Unit 2 Materials, Techniques and Technology
Unit 3 (exam) Working to Project Briefs
Achievements
From the introduction of Applied Art and Design in September 2003. 95% of the students have achieved examination grades at A*, A, B or C. In 2006 a pupil from St. Brigid’s High School obtained 3 A*’s in Art and Design and received the top mark in Northern Ireland. His ability and commitment can be seen clearly in his work and is an excellent example for future pupils at St. Brigid’s to follow.
GCSE Applied Art and Design Double Award provides students with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to undertake professional art, design and craft work.
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