Graphic Communication – A Level
Special Entry Requirements
In addition to the A Level entry requirements, you will need grade 5 in GCSE English Language.
Subject Intent
A Level Fine Art, Graphic Communication and Textile Design offers students a truly creative opportunity, allowing them to flourish personally and academically through self-expression. The curriculum provides independence, communication, learning, and thinking skills and combines this with practical elements and hands-on experience. Students can expect to gain analytical and written skills through the study of a diverse range of contextual influences. Over the two-year course, a large variety of practical techniques, skills and processes are covered, allowing students to progress in their own creative projects. Creative works produced by students throughout the course could be used within their professional portfolios, to demonstrate their skills to future employers or interviewers. Students will develop an in depth understanding of the creative industry, and acquire knowledge, skills and professional attributes to prepare them for their future university study and careers.
Course Introduction
This exciting and stimulating course aims to develop students’ ability to communicate, provoke thought and elicit reaction from an audience. The meaning and message of the work and the way that it communicates, distinguishes this subject from other specialisms in art and design.
The atmosphere in the studios is alive with a diversity of ideas and methods of work. Many students gravitate towards the studios in their own time to continue their work in a supportive, highly creative and very happy environment.
We have created transition packs to show you the kind of work you will be doing at level 3 and help you prepare for September.
- Graphic Communication transition pack 1
- Graphic Communication transition pack 2
- Photography A Level transition and Summer Project 2020
If you have any questions about the course, please email admissions@s6f.org.uk
Course Modules
First Year
Personal Creative Enquiry
For this unit students will provide a portfolio of work demonstrating a range of technical skills and techniques in a variety of media. Students will initially be encouraged to explore a wide range of handmade and digital techniques such as inks, collage, observational and expressive drawing, mark making, printing, and digital manipulation in a range of Adobe programs.
Initial practical explorations will lead on to more focused work where students will work on personally generated themes and topics. Students will also practically explore the work of other designers, to use as inspiration for their own work as well as developing critical thinking skills. Written work is also an integral part of the course.
Second Year
Personal Investigation
This is a unit with an extended written element in which students are expected to develop a personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme. The work should be linked to the work of other Graphic Designers/Illustrators and students generate their own work from a detailed, in depth study of a selected range of designers. The topic or theme for this unit is of personal choice and is based on strengths and interests experienced in the first year.
Externally Set Assignment
Students will practically respond to a broad starting point, chosen from a selection provided by the exam board, to develop a range of work which concludes to an in depth final piece.
Assessment
All first year and second year units are marked separately based on four assessment objectives. Work journals are marked alongside practical work.
Career Opportunities
