Design courses must allow students the opportunity to experiment and develop their own style without worrying about their potential grade, says CATC Design School.
CATC Design School is a vocational education provider of innovative courses in interior design, graphic design and photography.
Head of graphic design and Sydney campus director, Matt Leach, has been instrumental in abolishing the traditional percentage grading system for CATC design students.
“There is no point in our students partly or mostly understanding a design concept and how to apply it. Our assessment model works to ensure students take the time to become competent in each skill area so they understand it in full, not just a percentage of it.
“This framework leaves plenty of scope for students to deliberately play with different techniques and develop their personal style as a designer while answering a project brief.
“The opportunity for deliberate practice and experimentation also builds students’ confidence in their ability, embeds skills and helps them learn faster,” says Mr Leach.
The competency-based assessment system gives all students the same competent pass mark.
According to Mr Leach, students take a little while to adjust to the different assessment framework but find it ultimately boosts their confidence, creativity and sense of community.
“The new system reduces competition between students in the same cohort so they are more at ease with collaborating while still maintaining their individuality,” he says.
Recent CATC Design School graduate Holly Brown, says that the opportunity to practice a skill and seek feedback without fear of failing helped to define her style and prepare her for life as a professional designer.
Holly Brown
Ms Brown completed a diploma of commercial arts interior design in late 2011. Via a seminar hosted by CATC, Ms Brown secured an internship with Coco Republic in Sydney which has evolved into a position as an interior design assistant.
“It’s exciting to work in the design industry; helping interior design spaces evolve through the use of fabrics and textures to achieve a particular look and feel is exactly why I studied at CATC,” says Ms Brown.
“CATC gave me a solid foundation in design theory and application. All the teachers are experts in the industry so what I learnt in the classroom translated directly into how design works in the professional world,” says Ms Brown.
An illustrator and artist in her own right, Ms Brown found experimenting with new mediums and techniques during her diploma invaluable for preparing her sketches and designs at Coco Republic.
According to Ms Brown the flexible course delivery and option for VET fee-help were instrumental in her choosing CATC to study.
“It was a very intensive course which fit a lot of learning into just one year. I was working part-time, so being able to fit study in around my other commitments was a big deciding factor,” concludes Ms Brown.
CATC Design School offers dynamic diplomas programs at its campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Courses are also offered online via an innovative and engaging delivery program.
Each course is delivered by lecturers who also currently practice in their field of expertise, ensuring CATC maintains strong industry connections. CATC has a dedicated focus on enhancing individual style and students’ portfolio development.
CATC is frequently involved with community design projects that involve ‘design thinking’, looking at urban design challenges in a positive way.
CATC Design School offers a range of diploma courses in:
· Graphic Design
· Interior Design
· Photography
For more information about CATC Design School call 1300 66 1111, email enquiries@catc.edu.au or visit www.catc.edu.au.
