Choosing your programme for the Middle Years 2025

Jewellery and Entrepreneurship Pathway

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY IN THIS COURSE

Unit 1 – Foundation course. An introduction to basic silversmithing techniques, pupils will learn a range of skills to build on throughout the course. With these new skills they will design, make, price and photograph their first piece of silver jewellery, showcasing their new skills in a final piece. Unit 2 – Stone-setting. Pupils will broaden their silversmithing skills and design possibilities by learning two stone-setting techniques. This will be accompanied by further design development, technical drawing techniques, and an introduction to product marketing. Unit 3 – Cold connection and mixed media. Pupils will learn cold connection techniques and explore how to incorporate mixed media into jewellery design. This project includes a collaborative element, enhancing entrepreneurial skills through the presentation and pitching of their ideas. Unit 4 – Independent project. Pupils will combine their practical skills, drawing techniques, design development, research, and business knowledge to create their own jewellery collection and brand.

WHAT SKILLS WILL YOU DEVELOP

You will learn traditional jewellery techniques, including saw piercing, soldering, surface texture methods, forming, riveting, stone-setting, enamelling, and casting/wax work.

Additionally, you will explore creative design development through artist research, photography, observational drawings, mood boards, and creative sketches. Skills in idea development will be cultivated through the selection and critical analysis of sources. Furthermore, you will gain entrepreneurial skills through customer research, costing, pricing, packaging, business planning, branding, collaborative projects, jewellery display, and photography.

HOW WILL PROGRESS BE ASSESSED

Continuous assessment will be conducted through practical work, display boards, sketchbooks and technical diaries.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

This is for anyone who is interested in developing creative and practical skills to develop their own projects while gaining an insight into the practices of individuals and organisations within the creative industry of Jewellery.

WHERE COULD THIS COURSE LEAD

This leads directly to A Level Jewellery, and possibly to one of the many excellent degree courses in creative design. Even if your career destination lies elsewhere, you will learn many useful project skills in this course.

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