Useful Information
Graphic Design involves the communication of ideas and information through visual means. A graphic designer’s primary goal is to successfully convey a message by organizing words and images in a compelling way.
The A Level Graphic Design course is primarily practical, focusing on visual communication skills. It encourages students to develop creative and innovative approaches to personal design concepts. While highly rewarding, the course requires a significant amount of independent, hands-on work. Students are advised to balance their program with both exam-based and practical coursework subjects. For those planning to apply to Art College, A Level Graphic Design can be combined with Photography, Art, the BTEC Diploma in Art & Design, or the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Fashion & Textiles.
|
Course Overview
This course develops a wide range of graphic design skills, focusing on:
Exploring resource materials and researching other artists and designers
Developing and recording ideas and concepts
Experimenting with materials, techniques, and gathering visually engaging resources
Synthesizing ideas, analyzing design challenges, and problem-solving
Drawing practical conclusions and evaluating the effectiveness of the work
Developing technical, practical, and expressive design skills
Enhancing imagination, creativity, and intuition
Proficiency in using Adobe Creative Suite
Aesthetic awareness and critical judgment
Understanding how illustration, typography, and design are created
Students are required to contribute £10 toward the cost of materials at the beginning of each academic year
Component 1: Personal Investigation – 60% (includes an essay)
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment – 40% (includes a 15-hour practical exam)
The exam board for Art A Level is EDUQAS (WJEC).
|
Course Highlights
The College provides a variety of educational experiences to help students contextualize their learning. These include trips to art galleries, outdoor drawing sessions, and talks by guest speakers, including local designers and artists. Additionally, students work with the Graphics team at IKEA each year, offering valuable industry insight.
|
Career Opportunities & Further Study
Many students choose to take a one-year Art Foundation Course at an Art College or enroll directly into a degree program in their preferred design field, such as Graphic Design, Advertising, Architecture. This course also prepares students for careers across print and digital media, from illustrating hand-made books to website design.
|
Assessment
A wide range of academic and vocational courses are available, and the art department is dedicated to helping students choose the most suitable program. The Visual Arts areas are well-equipped for various media, including printmaking, textiles, photography, and graphic design. Students also have access to dedicated resource areas with Apple Mac computers to support their creative work.
|
Entry Requirements
To enroll in A Level Graphic Design, students should have (or expect to achieve) at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics at grade 4. Additionally, students must meet the following minimum GCSE requirement:
Grade 4 in Art or relevant Design Technology,
or
Grade 5 if taking two Art endorsements
A satisfactory school reference is also required.
|
Web Category
852654
745869
147854
997788
256325
|
