Graphic Communication A Level
Graphic Communication A Level gives you a rounded exposure to different aspects of graphic communication, allowing you to display your abilities in various artistic disciplines and demonstrate your understanding of these contexts.
The course will:
- enable you to work with a broad range of media, including traditional and new media
- allow you to use photography as a form of recording
- give you an understanding of the relationships between photography, art, innovation and design
- provide knowledge, understanding and application in contemporary and past societies and cultures
- give an awareness of different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of graphic design.
You will develop skills in various graphic media and equipment, such as Adobe Photoshop, DSLR cameras and graphics tablets, mixed media, typography, and learn about the importance of modern day design.
Curriculum Intent
At Windsor Academy Trust our curriculum exists to ensure all students regardless of background and ability can aspire to ‘unlock their academic and personal potential’. It empowers and equips students with the knowledge, character virtues and learning skills required to thrive in learning and in life.
AQA A Level Graphic Communication Course Outline
The course is made up of 60% coursework (Personal Investigation), and 40% an externally set task.
A Level Graphics contains two units; one is coursework, one is an exam.
You need to demonstrate your understanding of how images and artefacts are used to solve particular audiences’ problems. You will be able to demonstrate this by:
- recording from primary sources
- working from direct observation and taking photos
- producing work that is personal, informed and meaningful
- analysing your work and the work of others in contemporary, historical and cultural contexts through flexible presentation options
- documenting and recording from secondary sources
- experimenting with a range of media and materials
- having sustained and focused investigations
- relating planning and prep to realisation/outcome.
You can choose to study illustration, typography, advertising, photography, packaging, multimedia and design for print.
What courses does A Level Graphic Communication go well with?
Due to the course’s creative nature, graphics go well with a wide variety of other subjects.
It complements the creative arts subjects and can combine well with business and media studies due to the connection to marketing and advertising.
What degree/higher education courses and careers can I progress to?
The course provides excellent progression to art college for a foundation course, and you can go on to study graphic design at university or a higher education provider.
You can progress to a career involving the visual arts, with new technology applied where appropriate. This includes becoming a graphic designer, children’s book illustrator, visual merchandiser, fashion editor, magazine editor and working in marketing.