Graphics Design - A Level

Graphic Design is the communication of information and ideas by visual means. The critical elements for a graphic designer are the successful communication of a message through the organisation of words and images.

The A Level course in Graphic Design is a largely practical course concerned with visual communication skills and enables students to develop creative and innovative ways of expressing personal design concepts.

A Level Graphic Design is an extremely rewarding course, however students should be aware that many projects involve a high degree of independent practical input. It is therefore advised that students select a programme of study which contains a balance of exam-based and practical coursework subjects. If students intend to apply to Art College they could combine A Level Graphic Design with Photography, Art,  BTEC Diploma in Art & Design or BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Fashion & Textiles.

This course covers a wide range of Graphic Design skills, particularly:

• Exploring resource materials and research into other artists and designers 
• Developing and recording ideas and thoughts 
• Experimenting with materials and techniques and collecting visually exciting materials 
• Synthesising ideas and analysing problems 
• Reaching practical conclusions and evaluating results 
• Developing practical, technical and expressive skills 
• Imagination, creativity and intuition 
• Using Adobe Creative Suite 
• Aesthetic understanding and critical judgment 
• Understanding how illustration, typography and design are created

Students are expected to make a financial contribution towards the cost of materials of £10 at the beginning of each year.

Component 1: Personal Investigation 60% including an Essay

Component 2: Externally set assignment 40% including a 15 hour practical exam

The exam board for Art A Level is EDUQAS (WJEC).

Course Specific Trips & Visits

The College runs a number of educational experiences each year to enable students to contextualise their learning. These experiences include trips to galleries, outdoor drawing opportunities and talks by visiting speakers, including a variety of local designers and artists and each year work with the Graphics team at IKEA.

There are a wide range of academic and vocational courses available and the art team is happy to help students choose the most appropriate programme.

The Visual Arts areas are well resourced and set up for a variety of media including print making and textiles, photography and graphic design.There are also dedicated resource areas equipped with Apple Mac Computers.