Graphic Design (A Level)  

•  Assessment
• Year 1
  100% Coursework
• Year 2
  100% Coursework
• Exam board
  OCR
• Specific entry requirements
  A minimum grade 4 in an Art subject at GCSE is required. Exceptions may be made for able students who can supply a portfolio of work at enrolment.

What Will You Learn?

Graphic Design will introduce you to the exciting, stimulating and constantly changing world of visual communication. Whilst studying the work of both contemporary and historical practitioners in this field, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of genres and be introduced to a range of media, techniques and processes to effectively express your ideas. These ideas will then be developed through experimentation and through the production of graphic outcomes, such as poster design, packaging, advertising, branding, magazine layout and illustration. On the course, you will also learn how to use industry standard design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, which will prepare you for higher education and a career in design.

Modules

Year 1

• Component 1: You will produce a project on a given theme by working through a design process. This involves visual research, exploring ideas through a range of digital and manual techniques and producing a series of responses, whilst also investigating the work of other designers and illustrators.
• Component 2: A range of questions are provided by the exam board and you will select one question to work through, further developing the skills introduced through Component 1. The final responses are produced in ten hours of supervised time.

Year 2

• Component 1: This is a Personal Investigation based on an idea, concept or theme. Alongside working through the design process - researching, exploring ideas and graphic techniques, and producing a series of responses - the project is supported by a written element.
• Component 2: A range of questions are provided by the exam board and you will select one question to work through, further developing the skills acquired throughout the course in a more individual and independent manner. The final responses are produced in fifteen hours of supervised time.

Special Features

• As part of our large art department you'll be taught Graphic Design by a subject specialist using industry standard Adobe design software, with high quality equipment and resources such as our new Laser Cutter, Wacom drawing tablets, Cintiqs, and our Photography Studio.
• Exhibit your work with opportunities to contribute to our Arts Festival, College and National art competitions, and develop your profile as an artist with our Social Media enrichment course.
• Get a feel for the commercial art industry with a range of opportunities to develop your understanding and apply your knowledge further, including external speakers, university links, and a variety of day trips.

• Each year, OSFC hosts a special showcase of the arts. An opportunity for students to highlight their pieces that they have been working on, ahead of examination. The aim of the event is to celebrate the work of students across creative subjects and enrichment activities. This is a multimedia showcase of all our art subjects, including paintings, digital works, sculpture, dance & musical performance, visual art pieces, creative writing, spoken word and more.  It is a great opportunity for students to understand how a gallery is arranged and curated, as well as an opportunity for parents to see what their children have been working on. This is a free event to ensure that all in our community can enjoy the arts.

Where Will This Lead?

Studying Graphic Design opens up careers and HE courses in all areas of design including graphic design, advertising, illustration, animation, magazine design and games design. It will help develop your creativity, attention to detail and communication skills. Former students are now studying Graphic Design, Games Design, Illustration and Architecture at universities across the UK.