Graphic Communication

This exciting and stimulating AS and A level Graphics course aims to develop students’ ability to communicate, provoke thought and elicit reaction from an audience.
We believe that the most important quality you need to develop is your creativity. Professional graphics packages are used throughout the course, with a focus on Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop on the AS course. There will be opportunities to develop animation and Web Design skills. The AS course is carefully structured to develop the skills you need and the A2 year gives you more freedom to develop your strengths and interests. The course covers a broad range of traditional techniques including drawing and visualising, painting and mixed media. The use of typography is integral to all projects, either hand rendered or computer generated. Students are encouraged to develop their designs from original drawings which can be applied to many purposes, advertising, packaging, compact disk covers, illustration projects, leaflets, posters, information graphics, book jackets, corporate identities, logotypes, etc. Projects will be undertaken in four steps, research, analysis, development and final artwork.
The meaning and message of the work and the way that it communicates, distinguishes this subject from other specialisms in art and design. The atmosphere in the studios is alive with a diversity of ideas and methods of work. Many students gravitate towards the studios in their own time to continue their work in a supportive, highly creative and very happy environment.
Are there any special requirements?
It is necessary to have GCSE grade of C at either Art, Graphics or a related subject.

What will I study?

Year 1

Unit 1 - Coursework
For this unit students will provide a portfolio of work demonstrating a range of technical skills and techniques in a variety of media. Students will initially be encouraged to explore media/techniques such as inks, collage, observational and expressive drawing,
mark making, printing, and digital manipulation in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Initial practical explorations will lead on to more focused work where students will work on personally generated themes and topics. Students will also practically explore the
work of other designers, to use as inspiration for their own work as well as developing critical thinking skills. Written work is also an integral part of the course.

Unit 2 – Externally-Set Assignment
Students will practically respond to a broad starting point. Work completed will build on the individual strengths of the student, with more focused, practical skills and knowledge
being extended from their previous portfolio work.

Year 2

Unit 3 – Coursework
This is a unit with an extended written element in which students are expected to develop a personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme. The work should be linked to the work of other Graphic Designers/Illustrators and students generate their own work from a detailed, in depth study of a selected range of designers. This is linked to a 1000-3000 word written response to the work and ideas of the designers that the student has used for inspiration. The topic or theme for this unit is of personal choice and is based on strengths and interests experienced at AS level.

Unit 4 – Externally Set Assignment
Students will practically respond to a broad starting point to develop a range of work which concludes to an in depth final piece.

How is the Course assessed?
All AS and A2 units are marked separately to give you an ‘overall’ grade based on four assessment objectives. Work journals are marked alongside practical work.

What career opportunities are there?

Many of our students go on to University to work in a variety of areas such as Illustration, Surface Design, Film, Animation, Graphics, Industrial Design, Fashion and Textiles as well as Photography and Fine Art. We also welcome students who have an interest in and an aptitude for the subject, but who do not intend to take the subject beyond AS or A level.