3D Form
Creatively combining multiple influences
3D Form Teaching Staff
- Mrs. A Whitby: Curriculum Leader
- Miss A Knipe
Why is 3D Form important?
3D Design is the design, prototyping and modelling or making of primarily functional and aesthetic products, objects, and environments, drawing upon intellectual, creative and practical skills. It is the design of everyday objects but with a reflection on both current and historic design movements. The course also explores the relevance and place of objects within different cultures and belief systems, and looks beyond the confines of Western Art and Design.
Manufacturing and construction are two of the sectors that contribute most to the UK’s GDP, but these are the middle men. Before the consumer can buy into these industries, the industry needs a product to market, and the UK leads the rest of the world on design and innovation.
Starting with the basics of architectural design, sculpture, ceramics, product design, jewelry and body ornament, we also explore interior design, environmental/landscape/garden design, exhibition design, as well as designs for theatre, TV and film.
Students will develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills specified in the Subject content to realise personal intentions relevant to three-dimensional design and their selected area(s) of study. Knowledge and understanding of the way sources inspire the development of ideas relevant to three-dimensional design including how sources relate to historical, contemporary, cultural, social, environmental and creative contexts, how ideas, feelings, forms, and purposes can generate responses that address specific needs be these personal or determined by external factors such as the requirements of an individual client’s expectations, needs of an intended audience or details of a specific commission.
Those who opt to study 3D Form in Key Stage 4 will follow the requirements of AQA GCSE Art & Design/3D Form which focus on exploring existing designers and practitioners, experimenting with traditional and non-traditional materials, and developing and realising design ideas. The course will culminate in an externally set unit that allows the students the freedom to apply their acquired skills to create individual and experimental outcomes.
Teaching and Learning in 3D Form
3D Form teachers use a wide range of practical teaching and learning approaches to engage students and stimulate their interest. The majority of work is independent and individual, with group work focusing on critique, modification and refinement. Students are given the confidence and opportunity to work in new ways, with new materials, to discuss openly the outcome, both positive and negative. This element is vital in the journey to being able to successfully interpret a design brief.
Students have the opportunity to explore the work of a broad reaching range of designers and practitioners, looking at the legacies they have left for future generations and students are encouraged to discuss and record the influence they have encountered. Close links with Arts University Bournemouth will introduce the learners to the wider world of product design and realisation, ceramics, architecture, jewelry design and manipulation as well as design for stage and screen.
Homework gives students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have acquired in lessons or to research new ideas for upcoming topics. This work undertaken outside of the classroom is a vital element on their journey to become independent learners.
Key Stage 3
Throughout Years 7 and 8, students cover a wide range of materials, techniques and processes. For example, Year 7 will explore mask making whilst exploring cultural themes such as African tribal ritual masks. Moving into Year 8 we explore architecture through the ages, studying the different design principles of Elizabethan architecture in contrast to Georgian and Victorian. Moving into Year 9 students will follow a programme of study that fully explores one of the most enduring design movements of the 2oth Century, Art Deco.
Key Stage 4
The specification of AQA Art & Design specialising in 3D Form requires our learners to produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates innovation and originality, whilst paying homage to designers throughout history. This portfolio (worth 60% of the grade) must consist of one major and at least one minor project. The course structure allows the students the freedom to experiment whilst being closely aligned to the assessment criteria. The remaining 40% is gained from completing the externally set Controlled Assessment task. During this unit the students are allowed the freedom to explore a broad range of ideas which culminate in the 10 hour assessment period.
GCSE Specifications
The link to the GCSE specifications for 3D Form Art & Design can be found below: