L2 Pre-Foundation Art and Design

This course is for those with some experience of Art and Design, and who wish to develop their skills and understanding through a two term Level 2 accredited course (NCFE certificate in Art and Design). It is suitable for those wanting to produce a portfolio of work for Foundation, HND & Foundation Degree application.
The course will start in January 2024 and run until July 2024.

The course offers teaching in the subject areas of Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture. Course content aims to develop your skills and creative ideas in these areas and will help you to produce a broad Fine Arts portfolio. It also offers you the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

The course runs over two terms: Term 2, from January to April, will be course workshops.
In term 3 students develop thier practice, present their work and attend individual tutorials to complete the course assessment. There may be an opportunity to exhibit their work at the Mary Ward Centre, and any additional dates to be supplied.

You will need to attend from 10.00-17.00 on Fridays. Each Friday there will be structured teaching, supported by studio time to develop your practical work. You will also be given personal tutorials each term and regular assessments and feedback sessions on your progress.

You will work on structured projects / briefs in the areas of drawing, painting, print and sculpture. In the first term these projects aim to give you an introduction to each area as well and developing your research and creative processes. During the second term you will have the opportunity to explore your creative practice in greater depth.

Students will gain a sound grounding in creative process techniques and increased confidence to use a broad range of skills as they explore individual visualizations. Students will build sketchbook/s notes, drawing, research and ideas development, to show the working methods that inform their projects.

Students will be introduced to each subject area through practical demonstrations, hands-on exercises and briefs, you will develop themes and variations, as well as 'final' works using the skills you have learnt. Students will learn to evalute their work and receive feedback through One-to-one tutorials and group review sessions.

During the course you will work on five units, with clear aims and outcomes to be achieved. You will be assessed through group and one to one tutorials, self assessments and formal assessments. You will be assessed against the aims and outcomes of the unit throughout the course, with a final assessment at the end of the course. Throughout the course you will receive support, advice and guidance on your progress.

Students will need a sketch book and a selection of general art materials for the course, costing approximately £35. Many materials will be provided for testing ideas and the first stage of learning new skills, but students will also need to supply their own materials for their additional and personal projects as the course develops. The cost will depend on the students chosen project (we have a bursary fund available which can assist with fees, materials and travel expenses).
You will be expected to further develop your creative practice outside the course. In addition to structured sessions on Fridays, you will be set homework to be completed each week. This will help you to complete the projects set and may include some written work. You should allow at least one additional day a week for this.

Research is understood to be a very important part of creative practice. Alongside the practical teaching we will help develop your research and project developments skills. You will be required to research artists and styles, and encouraged to visit exhibitions. This will help you develop a broad understanding of contemporary and historical Fine Art Practice.

Students will be advised on their possible future pathways during the course. This course is designed to progress the student on to the next level, if appropriate and required. Some of the main options are:
* Foundation Course at the Mary Ward Centre
* Foundation Course in another Education establishment
* Degree course
* MA course
* Short courses at the Mary Ward Centre or Short courses at another Education establishment

There is detailed information in Reception about all our courses at the Mary Ward Centre.
Information about other learning opportunities can be obtained from Learn Direct: www.learndirect.co.uk and from the following websites: www.floodlight.co.uk; www.hotcourses.com; www.citylit.ac.uk; www.wmcollege.ac.uk; www.morleycollege.ac.uk