The course comprises of two, unassessed components in year one and two assessed components in year two.
You will produce a personal investigation and undertake an externally set assignment. You will learn how to develop graphic design ideas through sustained investigations based on contextual sources and will experiment with a wide variety of traditional and contemporary resources, media, materials, techniques and processes to produce personal and meaningful pieces of graphic design.
Modules include:
- Developing a portfolio
- Investigating contextual references in design
- Applying graphic ideas through investigation and research
- Experiment with traditional and contemporary resources and materials
- Developing industry knowledge for career progression
- Developing personal ideas and concepts
All 16-19 year olds on full-time programmes will be required to retake GCSE English and Maths or to undertake Functional Skills, if they have not already attained the equivalent of a GCSE grade C in these subjects, every year of their course, until they complete their studies.
A good choice for creative students interested in solving communication problems in innovative, visual ways. Suitable for students with an interest in graphic design. A good course to accompany other arts related subjects for breadth of industry knowledge
There is a well equipped studio with industry standard software, combined with interactive teaching and learning. 100% pass rates, high grades and outstanding value added rates, with great progression opportunities. This is a wide ranging course mixing traditional skills and industry standard software.
What you'll learn
Essential Skills for Progression
- Development of English and ICT within the programme
- Confidently record ideas in a variety of ways
- Confidently use graphic design software
- Confidently use inspirational sources to develop ideas
- Experiment with a variety of media and processes
Specialist Academic Skills
- A confident ability to create and develop ideas using a wide variety of traditional materials and techniques and digital software based on a thorough understanding of a variety of graphic design styles and movements.
- A confident ability to critically analyse, review and refine own ideas.
Subject Specific Enrichment
- Possible trips to graphic design related exhibitions.
- Possible trips to universities offering graphic design and related programmes of study at higher level.
- Possible guest speakers from universities.
- Possible guest lectures and/or workshops from universities.
- Possible presentations of portfolios from ex-students.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Practically based course exploring graphic design. Classroom based with coursework and controlled assessment.
Homework: Homework tasks directly relate to the project being produced in sessions; this could mean research into a particular designer or design movement, initial ideas or idea developments. As much time should be spent on homework as in classroom sessional work.
Progression
Degree or careers in graphic design, advertising, illustration, product design, animation, web design, interior design or architecture.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and maths. Art at grade 4 is required.
Additional information
Equipment is provided, although it is recommended that students purchase some items to use at home. Material fees will be approximately £50.
