Graphic Communication A Level

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.

All first year and second year units are marked separately based on four assessment objectives. Work journals are marked alongside practical work.

In addition to the A Level entry requirements of 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including English Language and/or Maths, you will need grade 5 in English Language

On completion of the A Level many of our students continue onto the Art, Design & Media Foundation Diploma. You could also progress to university, higher apprenticeship or employment.