GCE A Level in Art & Design (Graphic Communication)

Students embarking on a course of A levels who are interested in expanding their Graphics knowledge and qualifications.

For a mixture of Arts and other A levels, at least 2 GCSE Grade 6 and above and 4 GCSE grade 5 and above. Grade 6 in Art is desirable. If you wish to follow the Arts pathway following 3 or 4 relevant courses then the entry requiremnets are 5 GCSEs at grade 4 and above and a GCSE grade 6 in an Arts subject.

Year One We believe that the most important quality you need to develop is your creativity. The course covers a broad range of traditional techniques including drawing and visualising, painting and mixed media. The use of typography is integral to all projects, either hand rendered or computer generated. Professional graphics packages are used throughout the course, with a focus on Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop on this course. There will be opportunities to develop animation and Web Design skills. The course is carefully structured to develop the skills you need and then gives you more freedom to develop your strengths and interests. Students produce work ranging from mixed media illustration, even using 3D elements, to web design. The meaning and message of the work and the way that it communicates distinguishes this subject from other specialisms in art and design. Year Two Component 1 Personal investigation This is a practical investigation supported by written material. The investigation will be a coherent, in-depth study developing a sustained investigation from an initial starting point to a final realisation. The written element is a structured response of between 1000 and 3000 words. Component 2: Externally set assignment You will choose one of the exam board’s externally set questions and develop this into a body of work. Following the preparatory period you will complete a fifteen hour exam.

Classroom based exercises, Practical work

Assessment is marked against AQA’s marking criteria. Portfolio is 60% and the externally set assignment 40% of your final grade.

Graphic Designer, Marketing, Advertising, Art Director, Creative Director, Film and Video
Editor, Arts Therapist, Curator, Fashion Design, Journalism, Illustration, Interior Design,
Landscape Design, Model Making, Photography, Web Design, Animation, and Motion
Picture, Automotive Design, Product Design, Visual Merchandising, Teaching.