Art and Design (Graphics)

Course summary

Graphic Communication is a two-year linear A level with two units of externally assessed work. The course operates as a foundation first year, during which the concepts of graphic design are explored through a mixture of taught material and short projects. The second year is devoted to the two externally assessed units. The first of these units is a personal investigation (project) in which the student explores an area of graphic design of interest to themselves. The second is an externally assessed set design brief that the student responds to. The A-level grade is determined by the second-year work units. Whilst students have a lot of freedom to investigate and discover through experimentation, the course emphasis is on commercial and viable graphic design. A variety of media and techniques are explored along with significant digital content to realize professional quality outcomes. The foundation year includes project investigation; Letterform and typography, Visual Grammar, Colour and pattern, Design for print, Branding and identity. The Second Year is comprised of: A personal investigation of the student’s free choice in graphic design (60% of the total marks for the A level). An externally set and assessed design brief that the student prepares a response to (40% of the total marks for the A level).