Portfolio courses and Art/Design applications?

[weegiemum]

My ds (18) got poor results in S5 (Scotland) and has decided to do a portfolio course before applying to Art School this year. His S6 results were good including an A in Art so he's a bit more positive now. It all a bit up in the air with covid regulations but looks like its going ahead only with less studio time and more independent study. This is great, I think, for DS as he will get more of a taste of uni level art by being given self motivated learning. We've had a bit of "dead space" in the dining room since we got a table in the kitchen so between him, me and my dd2 we've converted it into a study/studio space for them both.

I wondered if there were any other folks out there with kids on a portfolio course and/or applying to do art/design at uni next year? I can see I'm going to have to do a bit of prodding until he gets in the way of things and it would be good to have company!

Usually these courses (Foundation in England) give tasters in a wide variety of arts so it’s a shame he’s working at home and I’m not sure that is the university experience he should aspire to.

My dd did her portfolio at school whilst taking her A levels. In time for interviews in the spring term. It’s vital to check out what the universities want. They are all different. The portfolio should be portable and most degree courses give a clear steer on what they want to see and how it should be presented. DD was asked to work up ideas, reference inspiration, look at what worked and what didn’t and include photos of work if it was too big for the portfolio. A whole year to prep a portfolio is a luxury!

So is he going to be doing the equivalent of a Foundation Course? I did this at my local 6th form college then went on to university to do a BA (Hons) Textiles Surface Design course. I really would recommend he thinks about which university/course he wants to do then get in touch with them. I didn't wait for an open day, I arranged to visit them and discussed everything then and it really helps. As pp has said they want to see ideas, progression, what works/doesn't work and why, variety of techniques, etc.

Hi weegie is your DS going to one of the Glasgow colleges? My understanding is that they are fairly fast paced with lots of different tasks through until Christmas that shd help build a good portfolio!!! Plus they know what each of the art schools want to see.