Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Merton. Classes run at Ricards Lodge High School, full-time over two years. This Pearson Edexcel level 3 btec art and design qualification focuses heavily on photography. You'll work with film and digital cameras, explore video, and study contemporary photographers to develop your creative practice. The course suits those who want to build a serious body of work before moving into higher education or creative employment. Entry requires GCSE Art at grade 4, GCSE Media or Film Studies at grade 4, or BTEC Media at Merit.
Who this course is for
You get to be a Photographer and spend all your lessons taking photographs, making photographs, taking about photographs and even writing about photographs! Are you getting the picture - we love photography!
Photography gives students a broad opportunity to engage with a range of lens based media - this means that film and digital cameras can be used, and even video is an option. We study a range of contemporary photography to develop understanding and explore the creative use of photography as well as gain a thorough understanding of the technical processes underpinning film based and digital photography. Beginning with the summer project work, we encourage students to take photos regularly and our first term is focused on developing the basic camera skills via a series of practical workshops. This course enables you to work on developing your own ideas; it focuses on giving you the skills and critical vocabulary to express yourself. Students will have regular tutorials in which they receive individual feedback and guidance bespoke to their own projects.
Entry requirements
GCSE Art, at grade 4 and/or GCSE Media or Film Studies at grade 4 or BTEC Media at Merit. In exceptional circumstances, students who have not previously studied these subjects may be admitted if they show a particular aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject. Applicants will be invited to attend an additional interview with portfolio - specific details for this will be sent on receipt of application.
What you will learn
You'll use film and digital cameras to create and develop photographic work.
You'll explore video as a lens-based medium alongside still photography.
You'll study contemporary photography to understand how photographers work creatively.
You'll analyse and discuss photographic practice, developing critical thinking skills.
You'll write about photography, building skills in contextual and theoretical analysis.
You'll build a portfolio of creative work across a range of projects.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical studio and location work, class discussion, and written analysis. Assessment on the Pearson Edexcel BTEC is coursework-based. You'll complete assignments and build a portfolio of practical and written work. There are no written exams for the Extended Certificate; your grade comes from internally assessed units moderated by Pearson Edexcel.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Ricards Lodge High School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Photographer: shoot commercial, editorial, or documentary work.
Graphic designer: create visual content for print and digital media.
Art director: lead visual style on campaigns or publications.
Digital content creator: produce image and video content for brands.
Illustrator: develop original artwork for publishing or advertising.
Gallery or museum assistant: support exhibitions and collections.
Retoucher or photo editor: prepare images for print and online use.
What you could study next
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3): a one-year course many students take before applying to degree programmes, helping you build a specialist portfolio.
BA (Hons) Photography or Fine Art (Level 6): a three-year degree for those wanting to work professionally in the creative arts.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design or Illustration (Level 6): if your interests move toward commercial visual communication.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Art and Design (Level 4): a shorter higher education route into creative industries.
