Course Live_AC_paperturn-3 - Flipbook - Page 11
3D DESIGN
A Level
This course encourages you to view the world with an
inquisitive perspective, transforming your observations
into unique outcomes through sketching, model making,
material experimentation, and three-dimensional creations.
In your first year, you’ll work on both product and
architectural design projects, building a strong
foundation before specialising in your second year. You’ll
also complete a focused written study (1,000–3,000
words) early in your coursework unit, deepening your
understanding of design concepts. Throughout the
course, you’ll draw inspiration from the work of established
designers and architects, refining your ideas and
approaches.
This course emphasises creativity within the design
process, encouraging students to explore diverse methods
of capturing their ideas, from observational drawing to
computer-aided design. The focus is on developing refined
concepts through hands-on material experimentation and
model making. Guided by Varndean’s expert tutors, who
are all practising artists and designers, you’ll have the
opportunity to create innovative and refined outcomes.
Shape your ideas, explore new possibilities, and bring your
designs to life through this dynamic course!
COURSE CONTENT
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Creative and aesthetic, technical,
organisational and interpersonal, analytical
and communication, organisational and
teamwork skills.
YEAR 1
• Architectural Brief: Develop designs for
architectural structures in response to a
brief. This could be: bridges, skyscrapers,
treehouses, temporary pavilions
OTHER INFORMATION
• Product Design Brief: Explore creative briefs
for products such as lighting or furniture
Visits are made to design museums and
exhibitions in London and the South East.
• Model Making: Gain hands-on experience
working with a variety of materials to bring
your ideas to life.
• Material and Process Experiments:
Experiment with techniques and machinery
in the workshop to understand materials and
processes in depth.
CAREERS PATHWAYS
• Critical Research: Analyse and draw
inspiration from the work of leading
designers to inform your own creations.
Every year a large percentage of our
students go on to successfully study
product design, interior design, set
design for theatre, design engineering and
architecture at top universities including
Bath, Brunel, Cambridge, Imperial College
London, Loughborough, St Martin’s and
University College London.
• Recording Skills: Develop a diverse range of
approaches to documenting and presenting
your ideas.
YEAR 2
• Deepening Expertise: Build on your skills,
knowledge, and understanding, taking your
work to a more advanced level.
• Critical and Contextual Study: Complete a
written study that explores key themes and
ideas in depth.
• Personalised Project: Undertake an
individually negotiated product or
architecture project tailored to your interests.
• Ambitious Practical Outcomes: Create bold,
refined final pieces that showcase your
creativity and technical ability.
• Practical Exam: A 15-hour practical exam
following from a period of development
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Standard Advanced Level entry
requirements
Plus Grade 5 in GCSE Art or Design
Technology (resistant materials, product
design, graphic products)
Or Merit or above at BTEC Level 2
Or If GCSE Art or Design Technology have
not been taken, suitably qualified students
with a good portfolio of work will be
considered.
An independent ALPS report
places the Varndean SIXTH FORM
College 3D Design A Level course
top in the UK when comparing
our student grades against
all other centres offering the
same qualification.
ASSESSment
60% coursework, 40% exam
VA R N D E A N S I X T H F O R M C O L L E G E 2 0 2 6
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