Art: Graphic Communication AS/A Level

Curriculum Area: Creative Arts and Design

Art: Graphic Communication AS/A Level

The College runs two Graphics courses. Graphic Communication encourages more free expression and focuses on lettering and the relationship between typography and image leading to mainly 2D outcomes.

Design and Technology Graphics allows students to explore more formal drawing and presentation techniques and has an integral 3D element involving model making and use of workshop machinery.

Both courses can be taken together by dedicated students. Although there are some overlaps, it is an option for students who wish to specialise in Graphic Design at a higher level.

The specification studied is the OCR Art Graphic Communication. It may be taken alongside Photography, Fine Art, Fashion, Textile Design and/or History of Art.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

The AS is studied in the first year. It forms 50% of the assessment weighting of the full A-Level. AS can be taken as a stand-alone specification or as part of the full A-Level course.

Students following the course explore graphic design in its widest sense, through coursework projects and theoretical knowledge. Subjects covered include typography, advertising, packaging, illustration and photography. The use of computer graphics is included in the course, alongside more traditional skills, such as observational drawing and printmaking to produce effective graphic design solutions.

The assessment of the AS is divided into two units.

Unit One Coursework Portfolio 60% Unit Two Controlled Assignment 40%

Advanced Level (A2)

During the second year of study the assessment is divided into a further two units.

Unit Three Personal Investigation (unit 3 includes a sustained piece of writing of 1,000 – 3,000 words) 30% Unit Four Controlled Assignment 20%

Methods of Teaching and Learning

Practical work is supported by audio-visual input eg. presentations, documentaries and critical studies. In their first year students are given a thorough grounding in core skills through experimentation in a wide variety of media. In the second year students work and develop their own ideas and specialisms.

It is essential that students are encouraged to do first hand research and a number of trips are organised.

Methods of Assessment

All units will be marked internally by the Creative Arts team and will be moderated by the exam board.

Resources

The Curriculum Area consists of seven studios/work areas situated in a new custom-built Creative Arts Complex. The main areas catered for are: Sculpture, Printmaking, Drawing and Painting, Photography, Fashion and Textiles and Graphics.

Progression

The full Advanced Level [A2] in Art Graphic Communication provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to Higher Education as well as being a useful background to career within the Art field.

Entry Requirements

You will need 5 GCSEs at grade C or above of the equivalent in a minimum of 4 subject areas including GCSE English, a GCSE Art is desirable You will be asked to do a small assignment before starting the course. This must be completed before enrolment. Plenty of advice will be given and no specialist equipment is necessary.

Charges

The cost of all trips will be the responsibility of the student. A studio fee is required for all art courses. Financial assistance is available if required.