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Graphic Communication A Level

SPECIFICATION LINK: 7203

TITLE: AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Graphic Communication (601/4456/7)

COURSE INFORMATION

You will study a broad course of Graphic Communication, which builds on the core of what you have been taught across GCSE and focuses on designing graphic pieces including advertising, campaigns, packaging, prints, web design through drawing, painting, digital graphics, incl. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, mixed media, collage, relief and print making. Students should ideally have followed a GCSE Design & Technology course, preferably in Graphic Communication or Art or Photography from the Art & Design suite, however it is not mandatory and will need to be discussed with the Head of Design & Technology.

Graphic Communication is all about designing creative and innovative graphics that we see around us. You will be designing and making a range of solutions and outcomes to a brief set by the department through designing and developing and idea from conception through to several outcomes.

Year 12 is used to build a foundation of new skills through a range of projects that allow you to achieve a high grade will stretch and challenge you to produce something amazing and get your teeth into! It will give you a strong basis of skills covering a wide range of methods which can then be applied to the Coursework element (Personal Investigation) in Year 13 which we start at the end of Year 12 and counts for 50% of your final grade. The Personal Investigation consists of a response to a chosen question through sketchbook work, a portfolio and several final outcomes both 2D and 3D. You will have to produce a portfolio which demonstrates your ability to research, design, develop and produce a range of outcomes of your choice. Students studying Graphic Communication will need to come equipped with some specialist equipment and contribute towards the cost of prints that they will need to produce as part of their final outcomes.

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

  • Coursework - 50% Students complete an extended Design and Make project
  • Practical Exam - 50% (15hrs)

OTHER INFORMATION

  • New Designers exhibition
  • Year 12 London 2-day trip
  • Year 13 New York trip

ROUTES FOR PROGRESSION

Studying Graphic Communication shows an employer that students are able to use a wide range of academic and creative skills and can apply their skills to come up with a range of outcomes. Students have been successful in securing degree places on Graphic Design courses at Goldsmiths, Nottingham Trent, Leeds, Lincoln and De Montfort without having to complete a one-year Foundation course.