The popularity of art-related majors in China is seeing incredible growth, with enrollments for the Art College Entrance Exam exceeding one million each year. As a result, students are facing more and more pressure and competition for a coveted higher education spot in this area of study. In fact, many Chinese candidates are turning to overseas art education. to pursue their studies.
Meanwhile, a variety of quality art education programs from abroad have been introduced into China. Among these new options, Pearson's BTEC Art & Design programs, including Level-3 and the International Art Foundation, were welcomed by future art students and have become an alternative of choice for their college pursuits or to prepare them for future study.
BTECs are high-quality, recognized, formal vocational qualifications grounded in the real world of work. BTEC learners develop skills and behaviors that universities are looking for among potential degree candidates.
Yanzhe Ma was a student at Fact of Art (FA), one of the education centers in China where Pearson’s BTEC programs are delivered. While in high school, he decided he wanted to study art abroad upon graduation. After carefully comparing art programs, Yanzhe and his parents believed that the BTEC Art & Design program was well developed and broadly recognized by universities overseas. It was the right program to help get him to his next level of art study. Enthusiastically, he chose the BTEC International Art Foundation Program offered at FA.
FA is a good representation of the 40 authorized BTEC centers in China that tout the benefits of the BTEC curriculum. Ms. Songmin Jin, Founder of FA, once said, “Compared with other international courses, BTEC focuses more on building students' practical skills, leading to a relatively high success rate when students apply for college and university. The program offers students comprehensive guidance, support and training, and assists them in expressing their creativity in more diverse ways.”
The Facts of Art education center where Chinese students can complete BTEC programs.
After one year with the BTEC program, Yanzhe advanced and received offers from several globally renowned art colleges, including College of Communication, University of Arts London, University for Creative Arts, University of Westminster and Coventry University.
Josie Marchant, FA’s Teaching Director was especially proud of the outcome of Yanzhe’s learning. “Yanzhe became a versatile and creative student after joining the BTEC courses. He was able to coordinate his thoughts into refined and interesting ideas. In addition, he often explored the ideas of humanity in conjunction with social issues that affect him and his fellow peers. This makes him a creative and conscientious creator who is able to think about issues bigger than himself.”
BTEC students at work at the Facts of Art education center
”I feel lucky to have selected the BTEC program. Through courses such as Workshop Materials, Photography, and in-depth study of working artists and their works, I learned how to use different materials and techniques of visual expression. Our visits to galleries and museums were very helpful to my research and inspired and informed my own ideas.” Yanzhe shared, recalling his experience.
”The most memorable subject for me was Art History, in which many works and artists were introduced in depth, including both ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign. This type of study helped us build understanding of classic creative methods and conceptions of the artists as well as the meanings expressed in their works.” he added.
Each year, hundreds of Chinese students go on to study art abroad after the completion of BTEC Level-3 or International Art Foundation. BTEC has become one of the most effective tracks for students of art who want to acquire theoretical knowledge, accumulate practical experience, and prepare for what's next in their life with art.
Vivian Lv is vice president of corporate affairs for Pearson Greater China.
*The artwork used in the header of this article is the work of Yanzhe Ma.