Open Evening - Thursday 17 September 2026
Look around our school, talk to staff and students and hear from the Headteacher, Mr Simon Wade. He will give presentations throughout the evening when the hall is full, starting from 5:30pm.
A Level Graphics
Students are encouraged to learn the rules of design by working hands-on in
response to a material or technique. Focus is then given to business branding
and a past paper theme allowing students to explore the entire design process
from initial ideas to the realisation of intentions. The design skills you will
develop include Visual Communication, Branding, Illustration, Advertising,
Typography, Packaging, Origami, Clay and book-making. Students will leave the
course with both a qualification and a varied portfolio of project work which can
be taken to job or university interviews.
Skills required
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of Adobe Photoshop
- Working with mixed media
- Analytical writing
- Creative thinking and presentation of work
Entry Requirements
- Grade 5 in GCSE Art
- Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and/or Literature
- Grade 4 in GCSE Maths
Units studied
- Component 1: Personal investigation (portfolio of digital/practical work)
- Component 2: Externally set task (portfolio of preliminary
- studies and a 15-hour Controlled Test personal response)
Careers
Students wishing to pursue design further could progress to a pre-degree Foundation Course followed by a University Degree in the creative specialism of their choice. Such courses include Graphic Design, Visual Communication,
Illustration, Typography, Digital Media, Computer Animation, Computer Games Design, Advertising and Architecture.
Enrichment
Students travel to Paris in Year 12 to explore historical and contemporary Art & Design exhibited at awe-inspiring venues including Pompidou, Musée D’Orsay, The
Louvre and Musée de L’Orangerie (subject to restrictions).