Prospectus - Helston Community College

Btec / Exam Board: Edexcel Btec / Exam Board: CACHE
Art diploma
IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?
A career in art and design will lead towards a lifetime of experimentation, invention and
discovery. If you have a strong feeling for a particular discipline, be it fine art, film, fashion
or textiles, or know that you long to work with colour, line, form, shape and pattern and
that you love to explore and experiment then a career in art and design could be for you.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
It is desirable to have a grade B or above
in art or textiles at GCSE level… On rare
occasions students who did not opt for art
or textiles can submit a portfolio of work as
part of entry requirements
WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?
This broad-based course is designed to
help you develop a range of creative skills.
The first year coursework includes drawing,
painting, printmaking, ceramics, graphic
design, fashion and textiles and sculpture.
You will be encouraged to experiment with
a variety of materials and techniques, and
you will develop your skills in communicating
your ideas and opinions, whilst you will learn
about other artists and designers
The Diploma is a very practical course that
allows you to experience a range of art and
design activities before choosing the field
you wish to specialise in. As the course
progresses you will concentrate on the skills
for your chosen area and develop confidence
in your own ideas and creativity.
2 year course covering 3 major skill areas:
> Fine Art
> Creative textiles/fashion
> Graphics/illustration
Year 1 - You will cover a range of skills and
projects all based on actual creative and
design scenarios through 6 units of study
developing your knowledge and
understanding for art and design in all
specialist areas.
Year 2 - You will specialise in one particular
subject area, and have a personal tutor. You
will be given an individual learning plan to
enable you to acquire suitable skills and
understanding to apply to degree level
without having to take a further foundation
course. You will be guided through applying
for higher education and presenting your
work professionally.
HOW WILL MY WORK BE ASSESSED?
Work is continuously assessed and
summative assessment is made at the end
of projects and units. Twice the exam board
externally assesses BTEC and final grades
are submitted at the end of the 2 years. The
Diploma is equivalent to 2 GCE A Levels.
WHAT CAN I DO AFTERWARDS?
There may be considerably more options
open to you than you first think: Skills
developed on your course, such as research,
negotiation, problem solving and teamwork
can put you in direct competition with more
Level 3 Btec & Vocational Qualifications
traditional graduates giving you an even
greater pool of opportunities to consider.
It may surprise you to learn, that 40% of
graduate opportunities advertised are
open to graduates of any discipline!
Even within art design & media, there is still
flexibility. Graphic designers may chose to
use their design skills in gardens or interiors,
and fine artists have been known to become
well-established filmmakers. It may be
that you will choose to practice in several
different areas - what is known as a portfolio
career. We are not trying to confuse matters
here, just encourage you to consider all the
options!
There are over 70 art related subjects. They
all relate directly to the creative industry.
The creative industry is the second largest
industry in Britain – and growing!
Nearly 20% of jobs in Cornwall are part of
the creative industry
Example Careers & Courses in Art & Design
Architecture, Graphics, Advertising,
Illustration, Fashion, Fashion marketing,
Textiles, Education, Television, Product
Design, Stage Design, Ceramics,
Photography, Film, Admin/Curation, Art
Therapy, Art History and Art Restoration.
Childcare
& Education
diploma
IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?
Those who want to work at a supervisory level in the children and young people’s
workforce or who are looking to go on to take a Degree in a related discipline such
as Teacher training.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
You should have 3 C’s at GCSE or above
and two of which ideally should be in
English and Maths. You should enjoy being
with young children and want to work as
part of a team. You need to come with a
positive attitude and have good
time-keeping, attendance and a strong
commitment to the course .
WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?
This qualification is designed to help
learners build the knowledge and skills
needed when working with children. It
covers the Early Learning and Childcare
pathway. It incorporates all the units from
the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and
Young People’s Workforce (QCF) which
means it meets the requirements needed
to work in the Children and Young People’s
Workforce. In addition there are extended
units which assess, build and develop the
higher level skills required to study effectively
and successfully in higher education.
HOW WILL MY WORK BE ASSESSED?
It will be assessed by your tutor or assessor
using a range of methods.
This includes:
> Direct observation in the work placement
> A portfolio of evidence
> A wide range of written assignments or
tasks set by CACHE , marked internally.
> 3 Written assignments, externally marked
by Cache
Direct work placements with children
You will be on practical placement every
other week as you need to show
competence in both knowledge and skills.
The College will organise placements and
you will be on a week in week out
programme: College one week, placement
the next. Placements will be in early years
settings such as nurseries and schools with
children up to 7 years old.
Visit www.helston.cornwall.sch.uk/sixth-form
HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?
You will complete it within 2 years.
Which type of job roles can you apply for
on completion of this level 3 qualification?
Early Learning and Childcare:
> Pre-school worker
> Practitioner in a children’s centre
> Practitioner in day nurseries, nursery
schools or reception classes in primary
schools
> Registered childminders and nannies
WHAT CAN I DO AFTERWARDS?
The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for
Health and Social Care and Children and
Young People’s Services or a Degree in a
related discipline.
UCAS INFORMATION
The points range from 80 (grade E) to
420 (grade A*). For the full breakdown
of points, please visit the UCAS website.
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