Level 3 Gold Arts Award

Arts Award Gold is the highest level of the nationally recognised Arts Award qualification, offering students aged 16+ the opportunity to develop their creative practice alongside leadership and research skills. Delivered in schools, colleges and arts organisations, it provides a structured yet flexible framework for students passionate about the arts.

This Level 3 qualification (equivalent in standard to A Level study) enables students to explore the professional arts world, gain valuable experience and develop a portfolio of work that supports progression into higher education, apprenticeships and careers.

What Does Arts Award Gold Involve?

Students work independently, supported by an Arts Award adviser, to complete a substantial portfolio of evidence demonstrating their artistic, research and leadership development.

The qualification typically involves around 150 hours of learning (90 guided hours and 60 independent study hours) and encourages creativity, independence and critical thinking.

Unit Structure

Unit 1: Personal Arts Development

Students extend their own arts practice through practical and critical engagement.

This includes:

• Developing skills in their chosen art form and exploring a new art form

• Creating new artistic work

• Reviewing arts events and analysing practitioners

• Gaining insight into careers through placements, volunteering or training

• Researching and presenting an informed viewpoint on a current arts issue

Unit 2: Leadership of an Arts Project

Students plan, deliver and evaluate a significant arts leadership project.

This includes:

• Planning a project with clear aims and intended outcomes

• Managing people, resources and promotion

• Delivering a public outcome or performance

• Evaluating the success of the project and their leadership skills through feedback

Assessment and Moderation

Assessment is portfolio-based, allowing students to present evidence creatively in formats such as written work, video, photography, blogs or sketchbooks.

• Work is internally assessed by a trained Arts Award adviser

• External moderation is carried out by Trinity College London to ensure national standards

• Moderation may take place through digital submission or in-person verification

UCAS Points and Academic Value

Arts Award Gold is recognised on the UCAS tariff and is worth 16 UCAS points

As a Level 3 qualification, it complements A Level and BTEC study and strengthens university applications, particularly for courses in the Creative Industries and beyond.

Benefits of Arts Award Gold

Students who complete Arts Award Gold gain a wide range of transferable skills, including:

• Advanced creative and practical skills in their chosen discipline

• Leadership, project management and organisational skills

• Research, analysis and critical thinking abilities

• Communication and teamwork skills

• Confidence and independence as learners

In addition, students produce a professional portfolio that can be used for university, apprenticeship or job applications. The qualification demonstrates initiative, commitment and creativity—qualities highly valued by higher education institutions and employers.

Why Choose Arts Award Gold?

Arts Award Gold is an ideal enrichment pathway for students with a passion for the arts. Whether pursuing a creative career or developing transferable skills for other fields, it provides a unique opportunity to combine artistic exploration with real-world leadership experience.

Exams

5 5's Including English and 4+ in Mathematics