Art and Design Level 1 (Spalding)

At Nacro Education Spalding, we let you learn in your way, at your pace.

You will be given a chance to get hands-on experience, through creative briefs, to develop your problem-solving, presentation, mathematical and communication skills. We have designed this course to be a combination of practical work and classroom-based lessons to develop your understanding further. We promote creative problem-solving by encouraging students to think outside the box and explore unconventional methods and ideas.

In addition to creating visual work, you will often be required to present your ideas through written projects, artist statements, and oral presentations.

You will learn to articulate your thoughts and feelings about a piece of work, both verbally and in writing, while also developing the ability to accept feedback.

You will be awarded the qualification following successful completion of the module through a portfolio of your work.

Students are required to successfully complete 2 mandatory units and 2 optional modules for the Art and Design Level 1 course. These include:

Mandatory modules

• Experiment with art and design ideas and techniques.
• Complete a final art and design project. 

Optional modules

• Create art and design work using 2-dimensional techniques
• Create art and design work using 3-dimensional techniques
• Create art and design work using mixed media techniques
• Create art and design work using digital media.

We use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you complete the Art and Design Level 1 course.

Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work, this could include observations on practical tasks or written assessments. You’ll be supported with all your work and given feedback and your teacher will go through all this when you sign up for the course.

As part of your Get Set! course, we encourage all students to engage in enrichment activities to support learning.  

You will be required to complete 60 hours of work experience during the college year. This can be undertaken throughout the year or during the two work experience weeks, one in February before the half-term break and the other the week before the Easter holiday. 

Work experience has been a huge stepping stone for many of our students, introducing them to the art and design industry and providing them with the confidence to pursue a career in the creative industry. You will have the opportunity to visit local art /craft groups, museums, galleries, and run stalls in local craft markets.     

At Spalding, we can host guests from the industry who will deliver talks and lectures. We also encourage students to submit their work to awards for emerging designers and artists.   

After successfully passing this course, you will have core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and move forward to your chosen career.

On successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Level One Certification in Art and Design. You will be able to progress onto a Level 2 course in subjects such as, Level 2 Certificate in Art and Design, Level 2 Certificate in Creative Studies: Art and Design, Level 2 Certificate in Creative Studies: Graphic Design, Level 2 Certificate in Creative Studies: Interactive Media, and Level 2 Award in Creative Craft using Art and Design.

You can also discuss career options with our career’s advisor prior to completion of the course to explore apprenticeships or entry level employment.

A keen interest in personal development is desirable. There are no specific entry requirements for this course however you may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved an Entry Level qualification.