3D Design at Fulston/Borden

Applications Open: - Friday 14 November 2025

Applications Close: - 13 February 2026. Applications may be considered after this date but it is strongly advised to apply before this deadline.

Entry Requirements: - Admission to courses - This is based on your needs and staff advice, but you should be aware of these points: 1. You will need to obtain a minimum of six GCSE passes at Level 5 or above including Mathematics and English (a minimum of a grade 5 in the reformed GCSE qualifications in English and Mathematics) and grades 9-6 in their preferred A-Level subjects or nearest equivalents. 2. Subjects have clear entry requirements. You will find these under the course details or from Subject Heads.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices (Internal and External Students)

External Applicants - please click here (This form is for external candidates and parents/carers to book a slot to ask any questions about the admissions process and Sixth Form at Highsted Grammar School). Please be aware that it is first come, first served. We will try our best to accommodate your preferences but this might not always be possible).

Internal candidates - should contact their Head of Year directly.

Three-dimensional design is about looking, learning, thinking and communicating ideas. It inspires creative thinkers, problem solvers and people who enjoy making.

Three-dimensional design is the ideal opportunity to explore ideas and develop skills and is a great first step for those who wish to follow a course in art and design at university. However, its balance of practical, academic and analytical skills are widely transferable and students intending to study courses unrelated to art and design find that it complements their other subject choices. A course in three-dimensional design will enable you to select appropriate materials and learn how they fit together, develop an understanding of scale and experiment with texture and surface finish.

Aims of this course:

A-level Three-Dimensional Design is a practical course in which you learn by doing, so you will be able to create imaginative personal work. You will find out about a whole range of media, techniques and processes. You will develop your creativity and independent thought, learn to express yourself visually and let your imagination flourish. Three-dimensional design is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects.

• Ceramics • Sculpture

• Exhibition design • 3D digital design

• Jewellery/body ornament • Interior design

• Architectural design • Product design

• Environmental design

• Design for theatre, television and film

At A-level for component 1 you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total A-level marks. In component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which will count for 40% of your total A-level marks.

Strong design and making skills are very advantageous, as is a keenness and commitment to learn. The emphasis of this course will be on the design process and the development of skills using an appropriate range of materials, processes and techniques. Most students would be ordinarily expected to have a GCSE of at least a grade 5 in Design Technology, Mathematics and English Language