The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (QCF) offered here at Doukas aims to:

• enhance students’ capacity to learn and develop those faculties and skills which lead to self-reliant learning

• develop students’ critical awareness of the contemporary visual world and related contexts and the relationship of contemporary practice to historical, cultural, environmental and social influences

• develop students’ intellectual curiosity through critical understanding and advanced learning using appropriate methods such as a reflective journal and interaction between self and others

• develop students’ ability in methods of creative production by maintaining an open mind towards the exploration of new ideas through risk-taking, connect to the workplace and employers by encouraging participation in ‘live projects’ wherever relevant to the specification and through engaging practitioners as lecturers on, or visitors to the program

• provide a context in which students are able to identify and interpret their strengths and direction through a continuous diagnostic and progressive exploration of skills and concepts central to art, design, craft and communication practice

• develop students’ understanding and awareness of the opportunities and demands of study in art, design, craft and communication in order to translate potential and ability into realizable goals within higher education, chosen employment or industry liaison.