When Sarah Hodgson joined the Art & Design Foundation Diploma at Abingdon & Witney College, she wasn't following a long-held ambition to become an artist. In fact, after retiring from a successful career supporting young people with physical disabilities, Sarah was only just beginning to explore her creativity.
"I'd never really made art before," she explains. "My sister, who's an artist and art teacher, suggested I try some online art journalling courses. The more I experimented, the more interested I became."
That curiosity eventually led Sarah to the Foundation Diploma at Abingdon campus. Designed to help students discover their strengths and identify pathways into higher education and creative careers, the course offered exactly what she was looking for.
"The main reason I wanted to do it was because I liked the idea of being introduced to lots of different ways of working. It was all organised for me, I didn't have to figure it out on my own."
The Foundation Diploma begins with a broad exploration of disciplines including fine art, textiles, graphics, sculpture, photography and spatial design before allowing students to specialise as the year progresses. For Sarah, this journey of discovery proved invaluable.
"A big part of the course was challenging my assumptions about what art is and what counts as artistic," she says. "It opened my eyes to techniques I would never have considered before."
Despite initially feeling nervous about joining a predominantly younger cohort, Sarah quickly discovered the benefits of learning alongside others.
"What I really valued was being immersed in other people's ways of thinking. Seeing what people produced, sharing ideas and learning from one another was incredibly inspiring."
As the year progressed, Sarah found herself drawn to textiles, embroidery and tactile making processes. These interests became the foundation of her Final Major Project, which explored themes of serendipity, chance encounters and human connection through found objects and fragmented narratives.
Throughout the project, Sarah benefited from the personalised support that makes the Foundation Diploma unique.
"The tutors were incredibly supportive. Each brought different strengths and perspectives, and it was invaluable being able to discuss ideas and get honest feedback."
Now, after exhibiting her work as part of the Creative Industries end-of-year exhibition, POV, Sarah feels transformed by the experience.
"Before I started, I didn't really have a creative practice at all. Now I feel much more confident exploring ideas through making."
Her advice to anyone considering the course?
"I'd say go for it. It's challenging in ways you don't expect, but it's incredibly rewarding. The tutors are experienced, the facilities are fantastic, and it opens your eyes to so many possibilities."
With plans to continue exploring printmaking, textiles and ceramics, Sarah leaves the course with a clearer sense of her creative interests and the confidence to keep developing them.
The Art & Design Foundation Diploma is designed to help students discover their strengths, build an outstanding portfolio, and take the next step towards university, creative employment, or a new creative direction.
Click here to find out more about our Art & Design Foundation Diploma.
