Level 3 Arts Gold Award

OFQUAL Arts Gold Award

Course Overview

An exciting enrichment opportunity and it is the highest level of the nationally recognised Arts Award qualification and is equivalent in standard to A Level study. It is ideal for students passionate about the arts who want to develop their creative practice alongside leadership, research and professional skills.

Students work independently with support from an Arts Award adviser to build a substantial portfolio. They develop their chosen art form, explore a new discipline, create original work, review arts events, research current arts issues and investigate careers through placements, volunteering or training.

Students also plan, deliver and evaluate a significant arts project, developing valuable skills in leadership, project management, organisation, communication and teamwork. The project includes a public outcome or performance.

Assessment is portfolio-based, allowing students to present their work through writing, photography, video, blogs or sketchbooks, with external moderation by Trinity College London.

It is worth 16 UCAS points and provides valuable evidence for university, apprenticeship and job applications, demonstrating creativity, independence, initiative and commitment.

“Put the effort in and you will reap the rewards!”
St Ivo Student

Key Information

Minimum Entry Requirements

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and mathematics.

Exam Board: OFQUAL

Assessment

100% Coursework

How to apply

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

After St Ivo

This course will prepare you for higher education and a wide range of creative careers. You will develop your artistic skills, explore different media and techniques, and build a strong portfolio that showcases your creativity and individual style. Art complements subjects such as Photography, Graphics, Media, English and History, but can work alongside almost any subject.

Fine Art & Illustration