Art & design graphics a level

art & design Graphic Art - AS/A2

Exam Board: AQA

Would you like to explore and experiment with different graphical techniques and media?

How can graphic design solve communication problems?

How do other artists and designers produce and get inspiration for their work?

Is Graphic Art for you?

You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, and at least a grade C in a GCSE Art & Design - Fine Art, Unendorsed or Graphics, (not to be confused with Design Technology Graphics).

Students without these requirements who nevertheless have career ambitions requiring AS Fine Art will be interviewed by the Head of Department to establish whether progression on this course is possible.

You enjoy the challenge of delivering a project to a deadline and applying logical thinking to your art work.

You enjoy researching the work of other artists and designers.

You enjoy designing and sketching in your spare time.

You enjoy developing a creative response to a brief and using your problem solving skills to do this.

You want to explore and enhance your design skills using a range of graphics, media, techniques, processes and workshops that explore graphic visual language.

You enjoy opportunities to develop independence of mind, exploring and experimenting with your own ideas and refining your skills to produce your own art work.

What will I learn?

You will be given the space to be creative in our School of Art & Design that offers students a professional, modern environment with its five large teaching studios.

AS Year

All students will have to use the College facilities at certain times to complete homework or carry out additional work on your projects outside of your timetabled lessons.

Coursework Portfolio You will create a portfolio of work based on a theme. You will use both traditional graphic design media and the very latest multi-media computer software and related digital materials and techniques to produce your work (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, 3D software and animation programmes).

Externally set assignment You will receive an exam paper set by the Exam Board, for which you are expected to produce preparatory work and a finished piece or pieces in response to one of a choice of starting points.

A2 Year Coursework Portfolio You will continue to produce guided coursework projects in graphic design and will develop personal investigations based on an idea, issue, concept or theme which must be supported by a written essay.

Externally set assignment

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a mixture of coursework (50%) and exam projects (50%) which you will complete in the studio within a fixed time period. Guidance and support will also be provided to ensure that you develop the analysis and written skills required to undertake these tasks.

What activities can I get involved in?

You will have the opportunity to take part in visits to local Art Galleries, events and exhibitions such as the Liverpool Biennial or at the FACT gallery. You will also work with and learn from artists and designers visiting the College, including a talk from a professional working within the Computer Games industry. You will have the chance to produce work for local and national competitions and see it exhibited both externally and within College at the end of term.

The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.

Where does it lead?

You will receive an exam paper set by the Exam Board, for which you are expected to produce preparatory work and a finished piece or pieces in response to one of a choice of starting points.

You will develop creative, analytical and evaluation skills necessary for success in a broad range of careers. Many students progress into Higher Education in a wide variety of fine art fields and disciplines. You can either apply to study a higher level qualification direct from college or, more often, complete a one year Art, Design and Media Foundation Diploma which will help you to decide which specialist qualification to apply for. You can complete the Art, Design and Media Foundation Diploma here at The Sixth Form College.

There are also opportunities to enter Level 3 Creative Apprenticeships for those wishing to gain vocational training.

The creative industries are one of the biggest employers in the UK. Art and Design related subjects are valuable for careers in such fields as advertising, marketing, fashion design, graphic design, architecture, publishing and the media.

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tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk

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