Art and Design (Graphics)

Course summary

Art Graphics students need to be well motivated and capable of working independently to a given brief. Taking the initiative and developing a personal response are central to the course. This can be achieved through the use of a wide range of media including Illustration, Photoshop, CAD, animation, paper engineering and Photography. Students will learn about key features, interpreting a design brief, communicating a visual message succinctly and refining imagery to its final outcome. Access to an A0 printer allows for the production of professional quality posters, banners and other imagery. Students undertake a practical investigation into an idea, theme, issue or concept. This is supported by written material, a piece of continuous between 1000 and 3000 words. The focus of the investigation will be identified independently by the student and will lead to a finished outcome or outcomes (a final piece or pieces of work). The investigation will demonstrate the student’s ability to develop a cohesive line of investigation whilst evidencing their practical skills. A wide range of techniques will be explored and then developed using materials appropriate to the student. Students will be provided with an externally set question paper with a choice of a themes to be used as their starting point. The theme is broad and will cover a range of interests. The question papers will be provided on 1st February or as soon as possible after this date. Following a preparatory period of investigation, observation and exploration, students will undertake 15 hours of unaided supervised time in which they will develop an outcome or a series of outcomes.