Art and Design: Graphic Communication

Course summary

You will explore both traditional drawing media and digital editing processes. You will investigate the work of a range of artists and designers and learn about both historical and contemporary influences on visual language. You will learn how to apply your technical and creative skills to a range of real-world scenarios such as designing graphics for a new film or computer game. You will be encouraged to respond to the changing world in which we live with creative, imaginative and personal outcomes. The Graphic Communication course has two components. Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of A Level): This component has two parts which are assessed as a whole: Part 1: Practical Investigation: from a personal idea, issue or concept. Part 2: The Personal Study: an in-depth formal written account (1,000 words minimum) of the chosen idea, issue or concept. Component 2: Externally set assignment (40% of A Level): A question paper is released to teachers and students on 1st February of Year 13. Students must choose one starting point from a range of eight. Students produce a final outcome within 15 hours supervised time. Students submit: • Sketchbook of studies • Final outcome/s Lessons are mainly practical based comprising; technique demonstrations, workshops, critical and contextual presentations, personal assignments, photo shoot/drawing trips and visits to exhibitions. You will keep a sketchbook for recording personal ideas, observational drawings and photoshoots, experimenting with media and techniques, refinement of your ideas and personal outcomes. After the course you will have a portfolio of work demonstrating your creative and technical skills to take to interviews for university degree courses or Art Foundation. You could find employment in a number of arts-based fields such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Media Design, Games Design, Animation, Fashion Communication, Web Design, Art Direction for Advertising, Film and Television Design, Teaching/Lecturing or you could work as a Freelance Designer.