This course is designed for young people aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan and a strong interest in art and design. It forms part of the Moving Up programme within the Supported Learning department and is ideal for learners who want to develop their creative skills while building confidence, independence and preparing for their next steps in education or work.
The course provides a supportive and practical learning environment where learners can explore a range of art and design activities, develop creative techniques and build their confidence in expressing ideas through practical work.
Throughout the programme, learners will strengthen both their creative and personal development skills, helping them prepare for future learning, training or employment opportunities.
- Entry Requirements, Units, Assessment and more...
Entry Requirements
To join this course, learners must be aged 16 to 24 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan. An interest in art and design is important, but no formal qualifications are required.
All potential learners will be invited to attend a taster day to help ensure the course is suitable for their needs, interests and learning goals.
The Supported Learning department also requires a consultation with the learners local authority before an application can be progressed. The SENCO at the learners current school can support this process and provide further guidance.
Assessment Method
Learners are assessed through ongoing observation and coursework throughout the programme.
This includes the development of a portfolio of practical work that demonstrates creative progress, skills development and personal achievement over the year.
Assessment is designed to be supportive and flexible, allowing learners to demonstrate progress at a pace that suits their individual needs and abilities.
Aims of the course
The aim of this course is to help learners develop practical art and design skills alongside important personal, social and work-related skills.
Learners will build creative problem-solving skills, communication skills, teamwork and the ability to plan and develop ideas from concept to completion.
The programme also supports the development of confidence, independence and self-management, while improving understanding of health and safety and the ability to explain and reflect on creative work.
Maths and English are embedded throughout the programme and, where appropriate, learners may also work towards Functional Skills qualifications to support their wider progression.
Progression Opportunities
On successful completion of the course, learners may progress to higher-level art and design courses within the college or move on to other suitable education and training pathways.
Some learners may also progress to supported internships or opportunities with creative organisations such as Heart n Soul, depending on their individual goals, interests and achievements.
The course provides an important foundation for further creative development, increased independence and preparation for future opportunities.
Facilities
The course is delivered in a dedicated art studio classroom at Lewisham College, where learners complete the majority of their practical and creative work in a safe and supportive environment.
Learners will also take part in educational visits outside the college, including trips to artist studios, museums, galleries and creative organisations. These experiences help learners understand how art and design are used in professional and community settings.
Each group is supported by a course tutor and a learning support worker, with access to additional specialist support services and quiet or sensory spaces where needed.
Career Options
This course can support progression into a range of creative and community-focused pathways.
Future opportunities may include creative support roles, youth and community work involving creative practice, design-related roles or self-employment as an artist or maker.
The course also helps learners build transferable skills that can support a wide range of employment and further learning opportunities.
