A Level Graphic Communication
What is it about at sixth form level?
Graphic Communication may be defined as the process by which ideas are communicated through the use of symbols, drawings, photographs and typography to convey concepts and/or emotions. This option encompasses a wide and developing area of study, incorporating a variety of related disciplines and utilising traditional skills, such as hand-formed lettering, alongside cutting-edge digital technologies. The boundaries between related graphic processes are becoming increasingly blurred but aspects, such as advertising, illustration and typography provide an indication of what might be covered within the option. Possible areas of study include: illustration, typography, advertising and branding, book covers and record covers.
Why study it and what skills does it develop?
An A level in Graphic Communication is an excellent complement for other art courses at A level. It is also an excellent basis on which to apply to study the subject further at art college or university as, along with the skills, it will provide you with the portfolio you will need for your application. It is also very useful if you wish to work or study in areas relating to design, fashion and architecture. The course will develop your skills in drawing and visualisation and these have value far beyond courses such as those mentioned already.
What prior knowledge and skills are required?
A background in art such as a GCSE or IGCSE is preferred.
How is the course assessed?
A level
The A level is a two-year course and all assessment takes place at the end of the second year. There are two components. Component 1 is your personal investigation, which is the coursework component. Component 2 is the externally set assignment. You will be required to develop independently a personal response to one of a varied range of stimuli within specified time constraints. The assignment consists of a series of visual (including moving image) and written stimuli set by the exam board. You will develop your response over a preparatory study period. Following the preparatory study period, learners will be allocated a period of 15 hours sustained focus study to realise their response unaided and under supervised conditions. Component 1 is worth 60% of the A level and Component 2 is worth 40% of the A level.
Reading
End of Print
By D. Carson
Published by Cinko Press, ISBN 978-1856692168
AGI: Graphic Design Since 1950
Edited by B. Bos
Published by Thames & Hudson, ISBN 978-0500513422
The A-Z of Visual Ideas
By J. Ingledew
Published by Laurence King, ISBN 978-1856697149
History of Graphic Design (4th Edition)
By P. Meggs, A. Purvis
Published by John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 978-0470168738
Exam Board and Specification Codes
WJEC Art and Design A654QSL
Greg Ioannou
Head of Department
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