Art and Design Level 3 Foundation Diploma

As a ‘stepping stone’ between sixth form and university, the Art and Design Level 3 Foundation Diploma provides an opportunity for students to embrace change, explore unfamiliar processes and make new friends. Moreover, the structure of the course is a series of stepping stones itself: from the exploratory nature of the first projects to the students’ pathway electives in fashion and textiles, fine art or visual communication up to the Final Major Project (FMP) that is exhibited at the end of the year. Some stones are comfortably spaced and others require a greater leap of faith or effort in order to keep moving forward and making progress towards the students’ personal goals. Indeed, foundation art and design is fundamentally interested in students’ personal development and it is designed to help them identify and develop their strengths in order to realise their potential. It also provides time for students to confirm their passion and identify the most suitable degree course and university for them. Students who study the Art and Design Level 3 Foundation Diploma at Banbury and Bicester College regularly gain places at prestigious universities and point to the course as a fundamental agent in their development

There are three stages to the course. The exploratory stage in term one provides students with the opportunity to acquire fundamental skills with unfamiliar techniques and processes, such as printmaking and ceramics, before making a commitment to a specific discipline, such as visual communication for the pathway stage in term two. This will enable students to prepare a portfolio of artwork in readiness for interview at university. In term three students undertake a self initiated Final Major Project (FMP) in the confirmatory stage of the course to demonstrate the level of their creative independence. Throughout the course students are set assignments that challenge assumptions about creativity, broaden historical and cultural awareness, develop conceptual and imaginative thinking and teach practical skills.

The qualification awarded is the Edexcel Foundation Diploma in Art & Design. Students need to pass each of the first two stages/terms of the course in order to progress. The FMP is graded pass, merit or distinction and represents students’ final grade for the course. Students receive regular feedback and agree clear targets in order to achieve their goals.

Candidates are expected to be at least 17 years old and in most cases will have completed A-Level studies. Academic requirements are two A-levels plus a portfolio of work that demonstrates a real interest in and commitment to art and design.

The course at Banbury has been a vital ‘stepping stone’ for students’ progressing from sixth form to prestigious universities including The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martin’s College, Camberwell College of Arts, London College of Communication, Wimbledon School of Art, Falmouth, Bournemouth Arts University College, Bournemouth University, Kingston University, Brighton University, Nottingham Trent, Loughborough, Winchester School of Art, Norwich, Bath Spa and many others.