Specialist Diploma in Drawing for 14-19 year olds

Tutors at University of the Arts have noted a lack of confidence and underdeveloped skills in drawing exhibited by some students entering the university. There is a concern that students’ who struggle in this area are disadvantaged by limitations in their drawing skills. Recognising the need to maintain children’s enthusiasm for drawing and to develop their ability to observe, to research and to develop ideas through drawing, the University is keen to address these concerns through practical, consultative engagement in developing the curriculum.With these thoughts in mind the Centre for Drawing has identified the 14-19 Diploma as a means of providing an appropriate avenue to foster development and understanding of creative thinking through drawing .

The 14-19 Specialist Diploma is progressive in structure and corresponds in level to the first year of GSCE through to A level. There is a requirement for generic as well as specialist learning. As the focus of the Diploma is on applied learning the qualification would meet the demands of a course in drawing that identifies thinking though practice as a key skill, and drawing as a core means to engage, interpret and communicate ideas, knowledge and understanding. The centre is currently in the process of developing a number of units which will be validated through University of the Arts London Awarding body and piloted in 2009/10.