Useful Information
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.
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Course Overview
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).
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Course Highlights
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.
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Career Opportunities & Further Study
Many students go on to take a one year art foundation
course at an Art College, or enrol directly on to a degree course in the area of
design they want to specialise in e.g. Graphic Design, Advertising or
Architecture. Students can also progress to careers in all areas of print and
digital media; from illustrating hand-made books to website
design.
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Assessment
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.
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Entry Requirements
Students wishing to include A Levels in their programme need
to have (or expect to achieve) at least five GCSE's at grade 4 or above,
including English at grade 4 and mathematics at grade 4.
Students will need a satisfactory school reference and also
meet the following minimum GCSE requirement:
- Grade 4 in Art or relevant Design Technology or Grade 5
if taking two Art
endorsements.
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