Graphic Communication encourages creative thinking and is about communicating and expressing information in a visual and exciting way. The course focuses on the relationship between typography and image, leading to a broad range of graphic design outcomes.
The specification studied is the OCR Art & Design (Graphic Communication). It may be taken alongside Photography, Fine Art or Textile Design.
Course content
This is a two year course. Students are assessed on the following two units at the end of the second year.
Unit One
Personal Investigation
60% of A-level
Unit Two
Externally Set Task
40% of A-level
In the first year students following the course explore graphic design in its widest sense, through coursework projects and theoretical knowledge. Subjects covered include typography, advertising, packaging, illustration and photography. The use of computer software is included in the course, alongside more traditional skills, such as observational drawing and printmaking to produce effective graphic design solutions.
In the second year students will choose their own areas of study and will set their own design briefs building upon the knowledge and skills that they have learnt in the first year. The work is much more independent with advice and guidance from the staff. Students are also required to produce a written study about an artist or designer as part of their Personal Investigation.
This is a two year course. Students are assessed on the following two units at the end of the second year.
|
Unit One |
Personal Investigation |
60% of A-level |
|
Unit Two |
Externally Set Task |
40% of A-level |
In the first year students following the course explore graphic design in its widest sense, through coursework projects and theoretical knowledge. Subjects covered include typography, advertising, packaging, illustration and photography. The use of computer software is included in the course, alongside more traditional skills, such as observational drawing and printmaking to produce effective graphic design solutions.
In the second year students will choose their own areas of study and will set their own design briefs building upon the knowledge and skills that they have learnt in the first year. The work is much more independent with advice and guidance from the staff. Students are also required to produce a written study about an artist or designer as part of their Personal Investigation.
Methods of Teaching and Learning
The course is taught by specialist practitioners. All practical sessions are supported by demonstrations, a theoretical background and critical studies. In their first year students are given a thorough grounding in core skills through experimentation in a wide variety of media. In the second year students work and develop their own projects, ideas and specialisms. A minimum of 4.5 hours private study per week is required. It is essential that students are encouraged to do first hand research and a number of trips are organised.
Methods of Assessment
All units will be marked internally by the Creative Arts team and will be moderated by the exam board.
The course is taught by specialist practitioners. All practical sessions are supported by demonstrations, a theoretical background and critical studies. In their first year students are given a thorough grounding in core skills through experimentation in a wide variety of media. In the second year students work and develop their own projects, ideas and specialisms. A minimum of 4.5 hours private study per week is required. It is essential that students are encouraged to do first hand research and a number of trips are organised.
Methods of Assessment
All units will be marked internally by the Creative Arts team and will be moderated by the exam board.
Resources
The Graphics studio is well equipped with a suite of computers with Adobe Creative Suite software and graphic drawing tablets, a mini studio, an A1 printer and A3 sublimation printer as well as plenty of space for practical work such as mark making and printmaking. Students are also given a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud which they can run on their home computer.
The Graphics studio is well equipped with a suite of computers with Adobe Creative Suite software and graphic drawing tablets, a mini studio, an A1 printer and A3 sublimation printer as well as plenty of space for practical work such as mark making and printmaking. Students are also given a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud which they can run on their home computer.
Progression
The A-level in Graphic Communication provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to higher education as well as being a useful background to a career within the creative industries.
The A-level in Graphic Communication provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to higher education as well as being a useful background to a career within the creative industries.
Enrichment
Trips and visiting speakers are organised throughout the year in order to inspire students and give them a broader understanding of Graphic Communication. These will come at a variable cost but we will always keep costs down wherever we can.
Trips and visiting speakers are organised throughout the year in order to inspire students and give them a broader understanding of Graphic Communication. These will come at a variable cost but we will always keep costs down wherever we can.
Charges
The cost of all trips will be the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to have funds to cover additional equipment and printing costs as directed by their individual project requirements. Financial assistance with printing costs is available if required.
The cost of all trips will be the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to have funds to cover additional equipment and printing costs as directed by their individual project requirements. Financial assistance with printing costs is available if required.
Where can this course lead?
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