In the past two years, more than 83,000 learners enrolled on a BTEC in Art and Design course. The BTEC in Art and Design gives learners considerable freedom to display their artistic talents whilst developing the practical skills and knowledge they need to progress as artists or designers or in related fields such as photography, fashion and textiles. Ongoing assessment with no end of year exams ensures that learners remain engaged throughout their course. An increasing number of the country’s artistically talented young learners see the BTEC as a step on the way to achieving their ambitions.
Progression for learners
A BTEC in Art and Design can help your students achieve their full potential. Learners are rewarded along the way for consistent hard work and demonstration of their knowledge. A BTEC in Art and Design offers active learning in a vocational context and builds confidence,
competence and motivation in your learners.
A firm foundation
Our suite of Art and Design qualifications provide learners with a broad-based approach to the art and design sector. Core units teach essential visual communication skills, making good use of a wide variety of media and materials.
Flexible to fit around your curriculum
Some learners are incredibly focused, determined to make a success of their chosen career in Art and Design. For others, it’s not so clear cut. A BTEC is a flexible qualification, made up of a number of units, which are determined by the level and size being studied. These units can be taken independently or alongside more traditional qualifications, to suit the interests and the aspirations of the learner. Teachers and tutors can work together to plan and create their own resources or use our new and improved range of support materials.
Freedom to explore individual interests
The optional units allow for a high degree of specialisation to cater for a learner’s individual interests and abilities – everything from fashion, to photography or fine art. There is plenty of opportunity for sustained and in-depth exploration of a chosen field
Engaging for everyone
Students, of all abilities, often fail to see the link between what they learn in an academic sense and the world of work. BTECs in Art and Design change all that. The vocational learning style is completely different from the more traditional routes. Students may research their topics and present results in a wide variety of ways other than written text. They don’t have to work alone – group interaction can often play a part, for example through teamwork. BTECs can engage and enhance the performance of all learners, who recognise that the skills they are developing are those that employers will value. They are learning in a practical way without the need to commit to an apprenticeship.
Rewarding hard work and effort
Students learn best when they can apply their own knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to a subject. In a subject like Art and Design, and in others, it’s often the case that learners are already motivated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It’s right that this natural energy can be focused and rewarded. A BTEC in Art and Design allows it to happen. Hard work is rewarded. Assessment is ongoing, motivating students to analyse and improve their own performance.
Forging links in the community
Project briefs and assignments form the basis of the vocational content. The qualifications are designed to encourage links with local practicing artists, designers or craftspeople, to give learners a truer understanding of the vocation.
Courses to support part-time and workplace learners
Our BTECs in Art and Design are not only for those in full-time education. Those already employed in the Art and Design sector can study for the BTEC Level 2 or BTEC Level 3 on a part-time basis. Knowledge and expertise gained in the workplace is valued and can play a part in the assessment methodology. School leavers and adults alike can continue to pursue an interest in Art and Design and a desire to learn through the BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Art and Design. These courses are designed to motivate, building on the achievements from Key Stage 4 or other level 2 qualifications for those that wish to explore a vocational route at level 3.
Unrivalled help and support
If you are new to BTECs, you can feel reassured in the knowledge that a robust support structure is set in place. We’re here to offer curriculum and qualification updates, local training and network opportunities, plus advice, guidance and support. We also have a Subject Advisor for Art and Design who you can contact directly with any queries or advice you may need in implementing BTECs in your centre.