VLE
Elements of the Year 9 combined Art and Design course involve graphic design, but as a discrete subject Graphics is available only in Years 10-13, as an optional IGCSE, AS Level or full A Level. The IGCSE course is correctly called Graphic Design, whereas the AS and A Level courses are termed Graphic Communication.
Graphics courses may be of interest to students who are considering careers in such areas as architecture, product design, advertising, communication graphics, illustration and multimedia.
The Graphics courses enable students to develop their creative and imaginative skills through practical ways of communicating and expressing their ideas, feelings and meanings in art. Students will develop their observational, creative and technical skills through stimulating projects and more personal lines of inquiry.
Students will be placed in a small group situation and will work in a personal way. Teaching is supported by ICT, handouts, videos and examples taken from contemporary and historical sources. Students will be involved in self-assessment and being critical of their work.
Students will need specialist drawing equipment and a laptop which can run Adobe® Creative Suite® Premium.
Students are required to work in at least one of the following disciplines:
Students must be alert to the possibilities offered by a huge range of materials and processes within graphic design and of the important role of signs and symbols. In producing graphic solutions to defined problems, students must be able to balance aesthetic and commercial considerations.
Students must investigate specific areas of a problem, determine relevant sources of information and use these to research and further define the problem. Ideas should be developed using appropriate design methodology, recognising the constraints of moral, social, cultural, environmental and legal issues.
All the work produced in the different disciplines in this endorsement can be produced in digital form. Students are encouraged to explore the creative potential of software packages and realise their ideas through a variety of media.
Terms 1 and 2: Students will embark on Component 1 (coursework) while continuing a personal study of their choice. Terms 3, 4 and 5: Students will complete all components and present their work for assessment. Both components' submissions must include supporting studies, while for Component 2 there must also be clear evidence of candidates' personal development.
Terms 1 and 2: Students will embark upon Component 4 (Related Study) while continuing coursework Component 3, which involves a personal study of 1000-3000 words. Terms 3, 4 and 5: Students will complete all components and present their work for assessment.