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Let’s take a look at all things Product Design at Shrewsbury Colleges Group; as three of our students studying A Level Product Design talk you through their time on the course.
Here’s what Oliver Rothner had to say about his first year at Shrewsbury Colleges Group:
What have you studied at Shrewsbury Colleges Group?
I have studied Product Design, Computer Science and Electronics.
What has been your favourite part of the course?
My favourite part of it was working in the final none exam assessment!
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt at College?
There’s no substitute for time and effort.
What are your next steps?
I will be studying an accelerated Maths A level course in order to get my maths A level within a year. Whilst doing that, I will also aim to work part time in the industry to get some applicable experience all within the next year. My aim for this is to set me up for a degree apprenticeship in the field I want to pursue.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I aspire to be a product designer of some sort as that is what I am most passionate about.
The project photos attached are his Creality Ender 3 3D Printer that he has been heavily modifying using the skills learnt in College!
Izzy Domican also likes to design in her spare time, as pictured below. Read Izzy's journey here:
What have you studied at SCG?
Spanish, Product Design and Business A level.
What was your favourite part about the course?
I loved having the opportunity to express my creativity. It gave me the chance to be innovative as well as the content being interesting too - I especially enjoyed learning about different design periods like Art Nouveau. I also really enjoyed the sketching aspect; I learnt to do fashion drawings for my NEA (none exam assessment) which was a new experience for me!
What is the most valuable lesson you've learnt in College?
To not compare myself to other people. There's no such thing as being behind - everyone is on a different path at different paces and that’s okay!
What are your next steps?
I'm taking a gap year but I’m planning on going to uni after.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Languages have always been my passion - so whether it's through travelling or my career I'd love to continue with them.
Finally, we spoke to Jessie Beard, who is really keen to pursue a creative career!
What have you studied at SCG?
During my time at Shrewsbury College I have studied A-level Photography, Product Design and Maths.
What was your favourite part about the course?
Since year 7, I have had a passion for Product Design and studying it at College has allowed me to continue developing and improving my skills in this area. I have utilized the creative freedom to develop my abilities in hands on making, the part I especially like, as well as using different methods to create and share my designs. I have particularly enjoyed seeing my ideas come to life. Along with the creative aspects, I find the theory fascinating and enjoyed the opportunities to learn about designers who have caused massive influences on the life we live today. It has also encouraged me to stop and look at the world in a different way.
What is the most valuable lesson you've learnt in College?
To be yourself and do what you're passionate about. You shouldn’t feel like you have to be on the same route as others around you, everyone is different and is good at different things.
What are your next steps?
Next year, I plan to study Architecture in Bath.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I would like a career that does not involve just sitting still. I want to be creative and have the opportunity to create designs that have an impact on the world. I would like university and my subsequent career to enable me to further develop my skills in sketching, making models and making finished prototypes. The future is exciting, and I hope that I work in a field that is based around my passion for Product Design.
You can see Oliver, Izzy and Jessie's work on display at The Show this Saturday 14 June, 11:00am – 2:00pm or Tuesday 17 June 3:30pm – 5:30pm. Tickets can be booked here.
If you’d like to follow in their footsteps but you’re not sure how, explore our Product Design course below, we have something to suit all learning styles!
Product Design A Level
Find out more here: Product Design A Level
Our Product Design A Level course offers a fascinating and practical insight into the world of designing and producing products. Learning in a purpose-built design studio, fully equipped workshop and guided by our expert teachers, you'll be supported every step of the way in your studies.
You'll develop your creativity and technical expertise to turn your ideas into real, marketable products. You will learn how to identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions and make and test prototypes/products. Burst through the boundaries of what was possible at GCSE, this course takes things to a whole new level.
The course is assessed on 50% projects and 50% exams.
If you are interested in the course, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring our Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email
We also have a range of part time art courses open to all ages!
Level 2 NCFE Certificate in Creative Craft - Art & Design
Life Drawing: Painting the figure
Sculpting the human figure in clay from a life model
If you have any questions, you can contact Part-time Admissions at 01743 653333 to organise enrolment. If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring Part-time Admissions on 01743 653333, use our live chat facility, or email

Let’s take a look at all things Art & Design at Shrewsbury Colleges Group! We had the pleasure of catching up with two students studying our vocational Art courses who will both be exhibiting at The Show: Lily Deakin and Tom Carser.
Lily Deakin started on our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design back in 2022. With a passion for jewellery design, Lily excelled in her studies and progressed to our Level 3 Foundation course. Having completed her Foundation year, she is now off to University of the Arts in London, to further develop her craft in jewellery design! Watch the full interview below to hear all about Lily’s journey at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.
Tom Carser is currently studying on our Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design. Having smashed his first year with us, Tom is set to progress onto our Level 3 course, starting in September. His final piece depicts the one and only Liam Gallagher, Tom is pictured below with his work and teacher, Ed Cately.
Here’s what Tom had to say about his first year at Shrewsbury Colleges Group:
What has been your favourite part of the course so far?
My favourite part of the course has been learning all the new techniques and letting my own ideas expand with creativity.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt at College?
I have grown in self-confidence a lot and know that I am capable of learning more skills. I have really enjoyed my journey so far at College with the members of staff being so friendly and supportive. They all make the lessons fun and interesting.
What are your next steps?
My next step is starting the Level 3 Art and Design course in September which I’m really looking forward to.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspirations for the future are to learn new skills and learn more about art history during my course.
You can see Lily and Tom’s work on display at The Show this Saturday 14 June, 11:00am – 2:00pm or Tuesday 17 June 3:30pm – 5:30pm. Tickets can be booked here.
If you’d like to follow in Lily and Tom’s footsteps but you’re not sure how, explore our Art courses below, we have something to suit all learning styles!
Fine Art A Level
If you enjoyed GCSE Art, get ready to start your journey into becoming the artist you want to be with our Fine Art A Level. Our experienced and specialist teachers will guide you through various techniques and media to explore your creative potential. Our fully equipped facilities will aid the development of your output in whatever form it takes.
We encourage students to challenge their habitual working methods by experimenting with various image-making techniques, media, and materials.
Our Fine Art A-Level is 100% Coursework assessed. Two components: 60% personal investigation, 40% externally set assignment.
Find out more here: Fine Art A Level
Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design
This is an exciting and varied programme and provides a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for success in the field of Art and Design. After completion of the course students would normally progress onto a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design, Fashion or Multimedia, some students may seek employment.
We encourage originality, we’re here to supply the tools you need to discover your inner artist.
The course is assessed through coursework split into six modules across the two years, an excellent option for those who prefer to spread the assessed workload out, rather than at the end of your course.
Find out more here: Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design
The programme provides a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and understanding required for success in higher education, and ultimately the creative industries.
Divided into 18 different projects, you will study a diverse range of specialisms, including printmaking, drawing, painting, 3D design, textiles, photography, illustration, ceramics, and contextual studies. These correlate to your 18 units of coursework spread over two years, which are equally weighted and graded at the end of each assignment.
Find out more here: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design
UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
The foundation year is designed to give you a broad based experience of a wide variety of art and design subject areas. It will give you an insight into the range and expectations of different art and design disciplines and provide you with the knowledge, practical skills, ideas and critical judgement to go on and study at degree level.
Most students choose to extend their studies at renowned 'first-choice' Universities, much like Lily who was a shoe in for a place at her University of choice after going the extra mile with her foundation course!
The course is assessed across three units of coursework.
Find out more here: UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring our Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email
We also have a range of part time art courses open to all ages!
Level 2 NCFE Certificate in Creative Craft - Art & Design
Life Drawing: Painting the figure
Sculpting the human figure in clay from a life model
If you have any questions, you can contact Part-time Admissions at 01743 653333 to organise enrolment. If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring Part-time Admissions on 01743 653333, use our live chat facility, or email

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(L-R) Damian Cassidy, Head of Asset Management at Connexus, Stuart Raine, Curriculum Director for Construction at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Marcus Ayling, Project Manager at Marches Education Agency and Chris Hesketh, Curriculum Manager for Plumbing and Electrical at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.
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