VRQ - Vocationally-Related Qualification
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
This qualification broadens horizons through exposure to wide ranging concepts, media and processes. Preparation for progression is embedded within each of the three stages of the course. It consolidates students’ future aims and informs on progression routes through in-depth experience in aspects of art and design, also giving an awareness and understanding of professional practice. It promotes understanding of the vast range of career opportunities within the art and design field, in HE and the art and design employment sector. The skills embedded within a FAD course are viewed as an ideal model for any degree-level study.
The assessment procedures of centres are externally verified according to Edexcel's system of national standards sampling. Edexcel operates an external assessment model hosted through the confirmatory stage.The FAD programme is externally assessed through the submission and verification of the Statement of Intent and the verification of the Final Major Project. Throughout the programme, a student’s progress is benchmarked through internal assessment.
There are 9 compulsory units, divided into three stages:
EXPLORATORY STAGE:
Unit 1 Information and Research
Unit 2 Recording and Responding
Unit 3 Media Experimentation
PATHWAY STAGE:
Unit 4 Information and Interpretation
Unit 5 Personal Experimental Studies
Unit 6 Extended Media Development
Unit 7 Preparation and Progression
CONFIRMATORY STAGE:
Unit 8 Integrating Theory and Practice
Unit 9 Personal Confirmatory Study