AS and A2 level Art - Graphic Design

AS and A2 level Art - Graphic Design
All Art and Design courses provide a stimulating and exciting exploration into the varied art specialism†s. You will develop ideas by researching into other artists and be encouraged to examine the world around you visually. You will work through a variety of techniques and learn to work with appropriate media, materials and processes. As an Art and Design student, you will be expected to write about your work, to express personal, creative ideas and produce final outcomes using a range of approaches and methods. You will primarily develop your art in A3 Workbooks; final pieces are produced in a wide range of sizes. It is possible to study two Art and Design subjects as part of your learning programme.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
Graphic Design surrounds us in all shapes and forms and affects our daily lives; the varied adverts in magazines, the title screens of the last movie you saw, the coaster you rest your drink on, the billboard you notice on the way to College and even the logo on your favorite piece of clothing. When studying Graphic Design you will follow design briefs and be encouraged to produce many ideas that communicate a visual message often using type and image. You will learn how to be a creative and imaginative person, solve design problems and develop your skills in drawing and experimenting with various techniques and media, layouts and graphic styles.
You will learn how to create different moods and messages through careful consideration of lines, shapes, colours and compositions and how type and image work together. This course equips you with a basic knowledge and understanding of design principles, graphics and illustration, so that you can create balanced and eye-catching designs.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
In a typical lesson you may be researching into other designers†styles and gaining ideas from them. In another lesson you may be exploring initial ideas in relation to a design brief or looking at developing your ideas using different drawing styles or experimenting with various graphics packages like Photoshop and Illustrator. You will use your imagination and creative powers of observation in lessons and analyse your own designs, and learn about the important role of graphics within society.



HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The AS units will be:

·Coursework
·An externally set assignment


The A2 units will be:

·Coursework
·An externally set assignment



WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH GRAPHIC DESIGN?
You can choose to do Graphic Design with a wide range of other subjects. It fits in well with other creative subjects and with humanities. If your inclination is towards technology, then possible choices are from Design Technology (Resistant Materials or Graphical Products) or Media Studies.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
A level Art (Graphic Design) is accepted by Colleges of Art and also by certain Higher Education providers. Accompanied by a portfolio, the qualification might help you get a job in designing.

Requirement
A minimum C grade in GCSE Art and English (language) is recommended. However, students who are keen to do A level Art and Design but do not have either GCSE Art or English (language) will be considered on an individual basis. For such students, evidence of art work is useful for us to see at enrolment. Enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard and persevere with work are very important, as is spending time out of lessons building up and further developing your work. Students studying Art and Design courses will need to be prepared to provide some of their own art media and materials as well as workbooks. Most of these materials can be bought at cost price from the shop. You will be told of the specific requirements when you start the course.