The Tutorial Module

Overview

Learners enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education in Art and Design are required to take this module alongside their core studio classes throughout the academic year. Designed to complement practical study, the module supports learners in developing the academic, professional, and reflective skills essential for success in higher education and creative practice.

Through a programme of tutorial sessions, learners will strengthen their study, presentation, and communication skills while exploring key issues relevant to contemporary art and design practice. Topics include developing a systematic and self-critical approach to creative problem-solving, effective time management, research methods, portfolio development, preparing for exhibitions and progression to higher education.

The tutorials provide a supportive and informal environment where students can share ideas, discuss their work, receive constructive feedback, and engage with the broader challenges and opportunities of creative practice. The course culminates in the production of a portfolio of independent work, demonstrating each student's creative development and providing a strong foundation for applications to degree-level study or other higher education providers in their chosen specialist area.

Programme

Utilising a variety of resources and sources, learners will explore the following during the course:

Session 1: Introduction and general overview of the Certificate of Higher Education in Art and Design and the ethos of the Tutorial module. Through the lecture and group tutorial:

• The parameters for a mutually secure learning environment will be set
• Approaches to tailoring a portfolio of courses for potential progression to degree schemes will be explored.
• Guidelines and criteria including what tutors are looking for when they assess your reflective learning will also be included
• The self-directed project will be introduced and the realising of ideas and thought processes to develop a body of work will be considered
• The basics of self-reflection and critique will be examined through the analysis of existing art works presented by each student

Session 2: Personal tutorials with each learner. Learners will work with the tutor to introduce their ideas for the self-directed project. Through the lecture:

• Students will be introduced in more detail to the principles of reflective learning through reference to established learning models and principles such as Gibbs Reflective Learning Cycle.
• The session will also explore a range of different working processes that can be instilled in a wider art practice to facilitate reflective learning
• Reflective learning principles will also be examined in relation to the work of other artists through a number of planned exhibition visits

Session 3: Personal tutorials to continue with each learner to discuss the progress of self-directed projects. Through the lecture and individual tutorials:

• A range of writing styles and artists statements will be explored in order to promote one’s own art practice
• Targeted statements and biographies will be explored through the use of various examples to better introduce the writing for different audiences
• Writing exercises will encourage learners to think with clarity over the aims of their work, their working methods and any external contexts in which their work references

Session 4: Presentation of ideas and development to group and personal tutorials with learners. Unit 4 will provide learners the opportunity to present their projects thus far and to raise any concerns they may have. Throughout the format of group tutorials, learners will have the opportunity to share ideas and best practice. Leaners will also have the opportunity to share their drafts of their written personal statements for feedback ahead of submission for assessment in unit 5.

Session 5: Final presentation to the group. Assessment and feedback.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:   

1. Keep a visual diary on a negotiated topic showing development of ideas.
2. Produce and present to their peers and tutor a folio of self-directed work.
3. Present labels and statement for an exhibition.

Assessments

1. Visual Dairy of supporting material including art historical/contemporary study (40%)
2. Personal Artist Statement. - promoting their self-directed project. (20%)
3. Portfolio of work produced for Self-directed project (40%)
   

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

A list of materials, not included in the course fees, will be available prior to the course start date.