Art & Design

Applications Open: 9th October 2025

How to Apply:

Internal students - Apply via Applicaa using this link - https://waterfront.applicaa.com/year12-20262027

External students - Apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

The qualification is designed to be the substantive part of a 16–19 study programme for learners who want a strong core of sector study. This programme may include other BTEC Nationals or A Levels to support progression to higher education courses

in art and design areas before entering employment. The additional qualification(s) studied allow learners either to give breadth to their study programme by choosing a contrasting subject, or to give it more focus by choosing a complementary subject.

Equivalent in size to two A Levels.

Mandatory units

There is one mandatory external unit. Learners must complete and achieve at Near Pass grade or above for this unit.

Optional units

Learners must complete and achieve at Pass grade or above for at least one optional unit.

Mandatory unit:

• Visual Recording and Communication

Optional units:

• Photographic Materials, Techniques and Processes
• Graphics Materials, Techniques and Processes
• Interactive Design Materials
• Techniques and Processes
• Fine Art Materials, Techniques and Processes
• 3D Design Materials, Techniques and Processes
• Textiles Materials, Techniques and Processes
• Fashion Materials, Techniques and Processes
• Design Craft Materials, Techniques and Processes

BTEC Nationals are assessed using a combination of internal assessments, which are set and marked by teachers, and external assessments which are set and marked by Pearson:

• mandatory units have a combination of internal and external assessments

• all optional units are internally assessed.

Each qualification in the suite has its own purpose. The mandatory and optional content provides a balance of breadth and depth, while retaining a degree of choice for individual learners to study content relevant to their own interests and progression choices. Also, the content may be applied during delivery in a way that is relevant to local employment needs.

The proportion of mandatory content ensures that all learners are following a coherent programme of study and acquiring the knowledge, understanding and skills that will be recognised and valued. Learners are expected to show achievement across mandatory units.

Each external assessment for a BTEC National is linked to a specific unit. All of the units developed for external assessment are of 120 GLH to allow learners to demonstrate breadth and depth of achievement. Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded. Learners are permitted to resit external assessments during their programme.

The styles of external assessment used for qualifications in the art and design suite are:

• set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task

• performance – learners prepare for assessment over an extended window and demonstrate skills that generate some non-written evidence.

Some external assessments include a period of preparation using set information. External assessments are available once a year.

Most units in the sector are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. This means that the school set and assess the assignments that provide the final summative assessment of each unit, using the examples and support that Pearson provides.

In line with the requirements and guidance for internal assessment, the school will select the most appropriate assessment styles according to the learning set out in the unit. This ensures that learners are assessed using a variety of styles to help them develop a broad range of transferable skills. Learners could be given opportunities to:

• write up the findings of their own research

• use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations

• carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction and outcomes

• demonstrate practical and technical skills using appropriate tools and processes.

The school will make grading decisions based on the requirements and supporting guidance given in the units. Learners may not make repeated submissions of assignment evidence.

x5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 - including Mathematics and English