1) Is this a GCSE qualification?

No, this isn't a GCSE qualification.  It is a level 2 qualification which is the same standard as GCSE grades A*–C/9–4.

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2) Is this a nationally recognised qualification?

Yes, the award is recognised on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

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3) Is the qualification recognised by colleges to help with access to higher education?

Yes, it is recognised by Schools, Colleges and Universities.  Those who successfully complete the course to the required standard will receive a nationally recognised level 2 (GCSE level equivalent) qualification, awarded by Trinity College London.  The course is shorter than a standard GCSE but has been assessed as being at the equivalent level to a GCSE.  Participants should enquire with local collages to see whether they will accept the qualification to assist with entry onto their courses.  It may help with entry onto a course.  Completing the course and sharing the portfolio will also demonstrate not only an interest in creative beauty but also the ability to research and undertake leadership challenges.  These things are not always easy to demonstrate from more standard academic achievements and are valued highly by many employers.  

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4) Is the course open to anyone?

The course is aimed at school and college aged young people, from age 11 to 25 (though most of our students are currently aged 11-16). Students must be 11-25 at the point that they submit their portfolio and to be eligible for the Arts Award the participant must be in the UK.  We have two versions of the course - one contains a mix of live zoom sessions and pre-recorded sessions and the other is entirely pre-recorded sessions.  We have Home Ed courses that run throughout term time during the daytime and these are aimed at those educated at home.  The School holiday club is open to anyone (mainstream educated or otherwise) who fits the age and location criteria.  We also have established groups that purchase our courses for delivery to their group.  The group can be one based in a school, at a youth group or a friendship group, providing it is 5 or more people.  For a group like this to complete the course there must be a designated "responsible adult" who will take responsibility for the safe participation of all members of the group.  

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The course is available to anyone of the appropriate age, no matter where you are in the UK.  Whether the learner is accessing the course as an individual or as part of an already-established group (such as in a school or youth group), live sessions are delivered via zoom.  For groups these sessions are displayed on a large screen or via a projector.  Delivery via zoom works very well and allows a much greater magnification of details as compared to delivery in a class setting.  

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5) Do you have to be good at art to complete the course?

No, the qualification is not awarded based on artistic ability, it is based on whether the individual has followed the appropriate processes, including setting goals, undertaking challenges and reflecting on learning.

 

6) What materials and technology are needed?

There is a lot of flexibility in the amount of materials that you can buy to complete the course.  At the most basic level you could complete the course with some bottles of traditional nail polish, a palette, a dotting tool and a fine nail art brush.  To avoid the frustration of drying times and to achieve a more professional look, however, we recommend the use of gel polish (which will require a lamp for curing).  We also recommend the use of a fake hand or a magnetic display stand before moving onto work on real people.  With a display stand, false nails can be attached with Blutack.   You will also need the correct solution for removing polish plus cotton pads or similar.  Note that for gel nails you will require acetone to clean brushes etc.  A full list of example materials will be supplied at the pre-course meeting.

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For individuals accessing the course, they will need a PC/Laptop or iPad to access the live zoom sessions and/or recordings and a PC/Laptop to complete the worksheets.  The worksheets are in Word and there must be Word installed on the computer so that the learner can see any comments written on the worksheets (necessary to make appropriate updates to pass each session).  It is not sufficient to access Word via a browser.  

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For learners accessing the course as a pre-established group (such as in a school or youth group or a friendship group), a large screen that can be connected to the internet is required so that zoom and video recordings can be played.  It is not necessary to have a camera set up to record the room but the responsible adult must be present during the sessions.

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7) Is this a live course?  

Our standard course consists of 4 live online sessions followed by 6 pre-recorded sessions that can be watched at any time and replayed.  The live sessions allow for live practice and real-time sharing of work with the opportunity to give and receive feedback on the techniques used.  The pre-recorded sessions provide guidance on the parts of the programme that relate to personal research and the leadership challenge.  They cover the kind of content that participants are likely to want to stop at intervals so that they can take things at an appropriate pace for them.  We also offer the programme as an entirely pre-recorded package.  

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8) What is included in the price?

For the standard course the price includes 4 online live sessions, 6 pre-recorded sessions including input from a professional nail technician, a portfolio template specially tailored for nail art, individual marking of the portfolio at appropriate intervals together with individual feedback, and submission of the portfolio to Trinity College London, if the required standard is met.  The "recorded only" version of the course contains all of the same elements except that the initial 4 sessions are viewed as recordings only.  

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9) Does completing the course and submitting a portfolio guarantee the achievement the award?  

No.  The portfolio will be marked section by section and feedback will be provided on each section to indicate whether the required standard has been met.  The participant will have one opportunity to make changes to the portfolio after feedback has been given.  If the portolio is at the required standard when it comes for its second marking then it will be submitted for the award.  If however the portfolio is not at the required standard and further work is needed, this will be confirmed and there is then the option to receive further tailored feedback support to try and reach the required standard.  The price for this will depend on individual circumstances and can be requested.  Portfolios will not be submitted to Trinity College London unless the required standard is met.  Note also that some portfolios may be moderated by Trinity College.  In the highly unlikely event that a moderation results in an award being refused, further feedback would be provided to help achieve the required standard at no further cost.  

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10) Does the course provide training in nail technician techniques such as nail prep and acrylic nails?

No.  This is a course specifically focused on nail art and is not intended to in any way substitute professional nail technician qualifications.  

 

11) Will participants be expected to interact during the live sessions?

During the live lessons there will be the opportunity to ask questions and share work and ideas but it is not compulsory.  

 

12) Is there a time limit for submitting my completed portfolio? 

We ask participants to aim to complete their portfolio within 12 months.  This will be ample time for most participants.  Most students take 9-12 months if they are spending 1 or 2 hours per week on the course. If the programme is receiving a lot of focused attention, for example during school holidays or as part of home education, it is possible to complete the course in a much shorter time period.  

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13) What if the participant needs longer than 12 months to complete the portfolio?

If participants require longer than 12 months you can apply to us for an extension prior to the end of the 12 month period.  We will grant extensions, if required, for those with learning differences that affect speed of progression and for those with disabilities or unforeseen circumstances where these have affected progress.  Please note, an extension must be requested in writing prior to the 12 month deadline for it to be considered and this must be done by the person who booked the course.  Extensions will not be granted retrospectively.   

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14) What role do parents, guardians and alternative responsible adults play during the programme?

Parents, guardians and alternative responsible adults are responsible for ensuring the safe and successful completion of the course.  Some activities, may involve the use of tools that could be sharp and/or materials that may include chemicals (e.g., nail polish remover, acetone etc).
It is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or alternative responsible adult to:
•    Ensure that course participant(s) are physically and cognitively capable of using such tools and materials safely.
•    Supervise the course participant(s) during activities involving any sharp tools or potentially hazardous substances if they will require it to be safe.
•    Remove or restrict access to any materials or tools they deem unsuitable or unsafe for the course participant(s) to use.

•    Ensure that any leadership activities undertaken in the community are done so in a safe and responsible manner.  

Nail It and Thrive will not accept responsibility for accidents, injuries, or incidents that occur in the home or in the community or learning setting of any participant during or outside of the sessions, including those involving the use of tools or chemicals.

During live session participants are expected to behave respectfully towards others and comply with any safety guidance given by the session leader, both within and outside of the live sessions.  Parents, guardians and alternative responsible adults must ensure that participants understand these requirements and their importance.

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15) What is the pre course introduction session for?

To ensure the safety of all participants:
•    Except where courses are delivered to an externally established group, all participants are required to attend a single online introductory one-to-one session (approximately 10 minutes) with the class leader, accompanied on the same screen by a parent or guardian, before starting a course. This is not required before every session.
•    This meeting is intended to ensure appropriate and safe admission onto the course. Course participants are not required to speak during this session if they do not feel comfortable.  The session is via zoom.  

• For courses purchased by an externally established group (e.g. a school, youth group or friendship group) the pre-course introduction session will take place with the nominated responsible adult who will be ensuring the safe delivery of the course.  
   

16) Are the live sessions recorded?

​We may record live sessions. Recorded sessions are placed in the members area of the Nail it and Thrive site.

 •    By enrolling in a Nail It and Thrive programme, parents/guardians provide consent for classes to be recorded.
•    If parents do not wish for their child to appear on recordings, this can be managed simply by keeping the child’s camera turned off during sessions.
•    At various points throughout the course, participants may be encouraged to turn on their cameras and share their work or ideas, as part of a positive and interactive learning experience.
•    Participation in these camera-on moments is optional and alternatives will be provided.
•    Participants will also have opportunities to contribute in other ways, including:
o    Submitting photos of their artwork
o    Sending short videos of their progress or creative process
•    These submitted materials may be shared on-screen during lessons as part of the celebration and sharing of participants work.