You will take inspiration from natural forms including flowers, fruit, bulbs and full plant specimens. You will develop technical skills in drawing, painting, colour mixing and tonal judgement and explore formal and informal ways to interpret the natural world thorough different media. Sessions may include activities using drawing, watercolour, collage, printmaking and ink as well as demonstrations and presentations by the tutor.

You will receive an individual learning plan at the start of the course, which will clearly show the learning outcomes. You will also be invited to add your own goals for yourself as well as the skills you will learn listed above. We will review your progress together as the course goes on. At the end of the course, you will receive feedback on your ILP which shows how you have met the learning outcomes and what you have learned on the course. You will be working at your own pace and be given verbal and written feedback on your progress.
At the end of the course, the tutor will assess your progress and advise you on the next step. Resources used within each lesson are available for students online. No work outside the sessions is required. However, the college has an exciting programme of events, exhibitions and competitions throughout the year. Your tutor will make you aware of these and your participation is welcomed and encouraged.
While there is no formal homework, your tutor may discuss ideas with you individually to help extend your study and for ongoing independent projects. Your tutor will also recommend exhibitions, or websites and books for you to use to enrich your study.

There is no exam or formal assessment for this course. However, you will complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) which will outline the learning objectives for the course. You will also be invited to set your own goals. You will receive feedback against the achievement of these outcomes during the course from your tutor, and in written form at the end of the course. The college has an exciting programme of events, exhibitions and competitions throughout the year. Your tutor will make you aware of these and your participation is welcomed and encouraged. Once you have completed the course, you may choose to enrol on a further term in this subject or another subject in the Creative Arts department. For Art and Design courses, once you have developed a portfolio of work, you could consider applying to the accreditted courses including L3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design as a pathway into higher education. Advice and Guidance for further study is available from the Curriculum Manager by request.

You may be eligible for fee reductions or one of our bursaries, please check the Information and Advice section of our website to find out more.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet learners’ needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an interview with the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre.

We offer free support with finding a job, including 1-1 support with job applications, creating a CV or improving your interview skills, as well as advice about progression opportunities. Visit the website for more information or to book an appointment with our Employability Coach.

There are regular cross-college events, external speaker visits, exhibitions, and opportunities for you to get involved in college life. Look out for adverts around the college, iLearn or sign up to Our Newsletter via the website.