Art and Design (Graphics)

Course summary

You will study a broad course in Graphic Communication, which builds on the core of what you have been taught across GCSE and focuses on designing graphic pieces including advertising, campaigns, packaging, prints, web design through drawing, painting, digital graphics, etc. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, mixed media, collage, relief and printmaking. Students should ideally have followed a GCSE Design & Technology course, preferably in Graphic Communication or Art or Photography from the Art & Design suite, however, it is not mandatory and will need to be discussed with the Head of Design & Technology. Graphic Communication is all about designing creative and innovative graphics that we see around us. You will be designing and making a range of solutions and outcomes to a brief set by the department through designing and developing an idea from conception through to several outcomes. Year 12 is used to build a foundation of new skills through a range of projects that allow you to achieve a high-grade stretch and challenge you to produce something amazing and get your teeth into! It will give you a strong basis of skills covering a wide range of methods which can then be applied to the Coursework element (Personal Investigation) in Year 13 which we start at the end of Year 12 and counts for 50% of your final grade. The Personal Investigation consists of a response to a chosen question through sketchbook work, a portfolio, and several final outcomes both 2D and 3D. You will have to produce a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to research, design, develop, and produce a range of outcomes of your choice. Students studying Graphic Communication will need to come equipped with some specialist equipment and contribute towards the cost of prints that they will need to produce as part of their final outcomes.