Creative Extended Diploma students at Plymouth College of Art achieve exceptional results

Following a short successful inspection in May in which Plymouth College of Art was rated “Good” by Ofsted, commending the college on the high standard of teaching and high standard of work produced by students in all subjects, Extended Diploma students from the college’s Palace Court pre-degree campus have received the results of their qualifications.

37% of Plymouth College of Art UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma students obtained a Distinction, which is equivalent to 3 A*s at A-level or 168 UCAS points. This is an achievement significantly higher than the national average of 23% of students who receive a Distinction in the UAL accredited qualification.

These results reflect the hard work and innovative creative practice of the students, which was on show to the public in the recent Pre-Degree Summer Show, when Palace Court’s open-plan studios were transformed into a lively gallery space, showcasing art, fashion, design and digital media. Last week UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma – Photography student Jordan Mortlock, aged 18, who lives near the Hoe in central Plymouth, was chosen from work by over 170 submitting institutions as the overall 2017 winner from UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students across the UK. Origins is an annual exhibition, celebrating the exceptional work being produced by students taking UAL Awarding Body qualifications nationally. Origins 2017 was held at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, as part of the established student showcase season, Free Range.

Speaking on the Extended Diploma results day, Jordan Mortlock said: “I chose to study at Plymouth College of Art because I wanted a change in education. Instead of taking A-Levels at secondary school, at a time when I barely knew what career I wanted, I chose to study photography, which was a hobby at the time that I wanted to explore further. Now, at the end of my course, I’ve found my career path. I want to be a documentary photographer.

My advice, for students considering studying a creative Extended Diploma, is don’t hold yourself back. If you want a career in the arts, I don’t think a traditional 6th form would get you where you wanted to be. If you want to work in the arts, definitely come to Palace Court. There are loads of resources, space and knowledgeable minds here. Use them. I won a Principal’s Commendation for my final photographic project at our Pre-Degree Summer Show and then found out that I’d won a national award at the UAL Origins exhibition. I’ve put in a lot of hard work but it seems to really be paying off.”

The Level 3 Extended Diplomas delivered by Plymouth College of Art are designed and awarded by UAL Awarding Body, which is part of the University of the Arts London (UAL). Subjects taught at the Palace Court pre-degree campus include UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma – Art and Design; UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma – Creative Media Production; UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma – Graphics, Illustration and Game Arts; UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma – Fashion and Textiles; and UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma – Photography. Designed in collaboration with industry and education partners, the qualifications are recognised by UCAS, arts universities throughout the UK and by employers in the creative industries.

Plymouth College of Art will be holding GCSE Results Drop-in sessions at Palace Court on Thursday 24 or Friday 25 August between 10am and 3pm, for September 2017 entry. Aimed primarily at students receiving their GCSE results, the drop-in sessions will offer opportunities for students to see the dedicated pre-space firsthand, chat to teaching staff and take part in interviews to help choose the right creative pathway for each student.

Jordan Mortlock won the Principal’s Commendation at his end of year show at Plymouth College of Art and the UAL Origins award for his photography collection, Kevin, based on Plymouth’s Kevin French, known online as Disabled Kevin, and his extraordinary accomplishments living with cerebral palsy.