WHAT IS GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION?
A Level Graphic Communication projects are devised to help students understand the fundamental process of design and gain a solid knowledge of all phases of the graphic communication processes, starting with research and thumbnails through to developing and refining designs to exciting and experimental outcomes. You will be encouraged to consider the design process and think about the cultural, historical and technological influences that have shaped design and how this impacts your audience and influences your design. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of departmental extra-curricular events and activities and can apply to undertake roles of responsibility in the department such as Subject Ambassador or become a member of the Art Collective. Students are encouraged to enter competitions and exhibit their work. We have had great success with this, extending learning opportunities and providing invaluable experiences which cannot be taught in the classroom. Students also have the opportunity to undertake roles of responsibility as a subject ambassador or as a member of the art department collective. |
SKILLS
You will explore a range of materials and techniques including digital manipulation on the Adobe package: Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, photography, typography, hand drawn illustration, layout, printing and packaging. You will develop your critical thinking when looking at the works of artist and illustrators as well as develop your skills of analysis in written form.
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THE COURSE DETAILS |
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INDUCTION PROJECT
In the first year, students will focus on learning and developing the skills required for the subject through a series of workshops and projects. This will include the development of traditional skills such as printmaking, collage and illustration to name a few as well as being introduced to the digital skills including Adobe software packages, InDesign, Illustrator and photography. They will then apply these skills in an increasingly independent way, leading to a personal investigation at the end of year one. In the second year, students will complete two units of work (as outlined below) which will be internally marked and externally moderated.
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COMPONENT 1: PERSONAL INVESTIGATION. (60% OF A LEVEL)
Learners will produce two elements:
- A portfolio of practical work showing their personal response to either a starting point, brief, scenario or stimulus, devised and provided by the learner or centre.
- A related study: an extended response of a guided minimum of 1000 words.
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COMPONENT 2: EXTERNALLY SET TASK (40% OF A LEVEL)
Learners will respond to an externally set task which will provide a number of starting points. A response will be based on one of these options.
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CAREERS/DESTINATIONS |
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Graphic Design
Animation Illustration Advertising Typography Web Design App Design Multimedia |
Marketing
Publishing Editorial Careers Engineering Architecture Product Design Games Artist UX Designer |