Graphic Communication

Teacher in charge of Subject

Miss M Harris
mharris@commonweal.co.uk

Overview

Have you ever looked at a cool advertising campaign or the opening credits of a blockbuster movie and thought “how do they do that?” The Graphic Designer is responsible for much of the work that surrounds you every day of your life; from logos to signage, magazine layouts to websites and much more. This A-Level course is aimed at students who can solve communication problems creatively by working with a range of traditional and digital media.

You should bring a passion for Graphics as you will learn lots about existing working designers and have a go at working in their style. You will be introduced to how Graphic Design can solve communication problems through the use of pictures, lettering, colours and emotions. Each unit will challenge you to create your own individual solutions whilst building your practical skills and confidence with drawing.

Course Title

AS/A2 Level Graphic Communication
Exam Board and Specification No.

AQA Graphic Communication (ARTC)

What do I need to have studied/have knowledge of?

To study Graphic Communication at Commonweal Academy we recommend that you will have acquired the skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE Design Technology course (such as GCSE Graphic Products) or an Art and Design course or equivalent at a minimum grade 6.

It must be emphasised that you should have an acute interest in design studies. The course will be delivered at allotted hours throughout the week, and full attendance is essential. It will also be necessary for you to complete further self-directed study hours in order to complete the work set.

What will I learn on this course?

Throughout the A-Level course you are required to work in one or more areas of Graphic Communication, such as: Illustration, Advertising, Packaging Design, Design for Print and Multimedia (i.e Animation, Web Design, Film and/or video).

What key skills will I develop?

You should already have good time management and a flair for designing. This course is intended to develop your Communication Skills and confidence with working in a range of media.

You will learn how to work to a given brief and demonstrate an awareness of an intended audience by designing for a specific user.

Although you bring an interest in drawing the A-Level course will also utilise ICT both as a designing tool and an aid to presentation.

How will I be assessed?

A Level (2 Year Linear Course)

Unit 1 – Personal Investigation is worth 25% of the total A Level Mark.

You will continue to produce guided coursework projects in Graphic Design, but you are expected to develop a personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme which must be supported by a written element of between 1000 and 3000 words.

Unit 2 – Externally Set Assignment is worth 25% of the total A Level Mark.

You will receive an externally set assignment, for which you need to produce preparatory work and a finished piece in response to one of a choice of eight starting points. The final development work and finished outcomes will be achieved during 15 hours of supervised but unaided time.

What could this course lead to?

By the end of the two years students will have a portfolio of work that will demonstrate broad range of relevant skills, for the workplace and/or access to Higher Education, such as Foundation Courses or a BA Hons in Graphic Design/Art.

Employment opportunities include working in one of a number of arts-based and creative fields such as Freelance or Corporate Graphic Design, Advertising, Copywriting, Illustration, Web Design, Account Handler, Digital Publishing, Architecture and Teaching.

Additional events, trips or enrichment activities

You will have opportunities to visit working design agencies and relevant Galleries. We aim to develop your understanding of the industry alongside your knowledge of contextual design studies.

Are there any additional costs for this course?

It will be essential for all students to have a range of art materials at their disposal, sketch books and a USB memory stick to back up all their work. You will be expected to purchase your own materials for certain projects.