Sketchbooks  and journals are essential

Show any evidence of work in sketchbooks or on sheets that has been done away from your school environment - on courses or produced by you independently, a sketchbook run outside of your usual coursework, notes, ideas, anything that shows you think and work beyond the usual environment of school.

Your portfolio at this stage does not necessarily have to be an expensive portfolio a Transfile folder or plastic folder will do.

Work does not necessarily have to be mounted or placed in clear plastic sleeves but discuss this with your art teacher..

If you are going on to do a Degree Course after Foundation then you will need to have a better quality portfolio with plastic inserts for further interviews next year.

Work should be organised the right way up for looking at on a table.

It is important for the work to be organised in some kind of order - chronological or thematic for example.

Think how the folder will look if it is left open at the end when it is being discussed. Will your work that is showing be memorable? If the folder is turned back will the work at the front do you justice? You could think about putting best pieces at the front and at the end and have 'work in progress' things in the middle. Discuss it with your teacher.

Pastel work will need to be sealed, fixed and have a sheet of tissue over the top.

No sticky masking tape left on corners of work.

Unresolved pieces of work can be included in your portfolio but be prepared to be able to discuss them.

(as said at the start) Tutors are interested to see work that is over and above directed '’A’ Level coursework i.e. work that you have completed at home, life drawing work from evening classes, work completed on UCA (or other university or educational) Summer Schools etc.

You should be able to discuss your work with a depth of understanding and using appropriate vocabulary.

Photographs of 3D or Fashion work etc. (work that cannot be easily transported) are acceptable - you may if you wish ,take videos or send videos to the college prior to interview.

Try to arrange a mock interview with Art Department staff, practice explaining you ideas to other students.

Portfolios should be ready by November, some interviews will be in December.