WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL GRAPHIC DESIGN (GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION)? Graphic Design is a subject that teaches students to create visual content that communicates ideas and messages using both traditional techniques and modern technology. It is a stimulating and wide-ranging subject that develops the ability to appreciate the commercial visual world and to respond through various forms of creative, personal design. Students learn to use a range of graphic techniques including print, sketching, illustration and photography, as well as digital design in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Graphic Design is a chiefly practical course with some written elements. First-year projects include book cover design, branding, packaging design and typographical work. In the second year, students can choose their own projects which can include such briefs as branding for festivals, marketing for new food or clothing companies and exhibition displays. Students have the freedom to approach projects in a variety of ways depending on their interests and skills. For example, when designing a poster, one student may want to develop their designs using computer software such as Photoshop, another may however wish to further their skills in hand-drawn illustration. Both are equally valid. The Graphic Design area is well-resourced with a large number of computers using the latest industry-standard software along with professional equipment and machines, which allow students to produce work to an incredibly high standard. There are several rooms and facilities that students are encouraged to make use of both in lessons and during their own time. Graphic Design combines well with any other subject at the College including one or more subjects within the Art and Design Department. Developing your skills by looking at the work of professional designers and artists is an important part of any designer’s experience. We organize a trip in the summer term to a major annual design exhibition. Also, as part of the Art and Design Department, students have opportunities to participate in a residential trip in the second year. COURSE CONTENT The first year of the A Level is a foundation course during which you will be learning a wide range of techniques, looking at the work of other graphic designers and building up your skills and understanding of contemporary graphic design. The projects in the first year will enable you to become familiar with the A Level assessment criteria and give you a good idea of the standard of preparation required in order to produce sophisticated final outcomes in Year 2. The Year 2 Graphics course consists of two components – Coursework and Exam project. All of this work will count towards your A Level. The coursework consists of one major project, which you will choose yourself. There is also a compulsory short-written element. The exam project brief is set by the exam board and culminates in a 15-hour practical exam.