Graphic Communication

Throughout this course there is a strong emphasis on the teaching of communication & contemporary image making skills whilst also developing underpinning research skills. You are encouraged to explore and experiment through a wide range of Art and Design media and techniques. You will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of graphic/ illustration based media, techniques and design including practical and digital approaches.

You will explore one or more of the following areas including illustration, packaging design, advertising, design for print, communication graphics, multimedia graphics whilst also developing drawing and painting skills and exploring a multimedia approach. Observational drawing and recording skills are very important to the world of a contemporary graphic designer/illustrator. This is a linear qualification, which means that students must complete all assessments at the end of the course.

This programme will encourage all students to develop the following skills:

• An understanding of meaning, function, style, scale, colour & content in relation to graphics and Illustration.
• An awareness of intended audience or purpose for graphics & illustration.
• An appreciation of the appropriate use of typography which will include contemporary hand lettering and traditional text based methods. Intellectual, imaginative, creative skills.
• The experience of working with a broad range of media, including traditional and new media and technologies.

Many students progress onto a BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, and then through to a variety of high profile BA (Hons) Art & Design degree courses including Graphic Communication, Visual Communication, Illustration, Animation, Surface Decoration, Media Studies, etc. Alternatively many students have progressed directly onto a variety of degree courses at Higher Education institutions, for a range of programmes including those listed above as well as Architecture, Art Therapy, etc.

Assessment

There is synoptic assessment in both components of the A Level that provide stretch and challenge opportunities for students as follows:

Component 1: Personal Investigation—60% of the A level

• Students develop work based on a design brief set by the centre, this can incorporate an issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artist(s), designer(s), photographers or craftspeople and include written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work.
• This is a non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre, which will normally take place in June.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (ESA)—40% of the A level

• Students respond to a stimulus brief, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.
• This is a non-exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre, which will normally take place in June.