Graphics
Download our Graphics prospectus here.
At Beckfoot Sixth Form, 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.
Graphic Communication FAQs
1. How many components will I study?
There are 2 components which make up A-level Graphic Communication consisting of a Personal Investigation (01) and Externally Set Task (02). There are 2 elements which make up Component 1. The first is a Portfolio of practical work showing a personal response to either a starting point, brief, scenario or stimulus, devised and provided by the centre. The second is a Related Study which takes the form of an extended response of a guided minimum of 1000 words. The Externally Set Task is stimulated by an early release paper which will be issued on 1st February in Year 13 and will provide you with a number of themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points and briefs.
2. How will I be assessed? What is assessed?
For both components you will produce a body of practical work which in total shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objects. For the Personal Investigation and Related Study there is a total of 120 marks and for the Externally Set Task there is a total of 80 marks. Component 1 has a weight of 60% and Component 2 40% in relation to the final grade.
3. Will there be an exam?
There is no written exam however, at the end of the Externally Set Task you are required to undergo a 15 hour controlled test which will take place over 3 days. During this invigilated period, you will be required to realise your intentions and produce a final outcome(s) or further developments and experimentation which shows a progression of your creative journey.
4. What techniques and theme(s) will I explore for the Personal Investigation?
The 2 projects you will explore are ‘Personal Histories Book’ and ‘Business Branding’. You will begin the Personal Investigation with the first baseline project which will introduce you to the fundamental principles of design. Using Photoshop, Illustrator and practical techniques you will master the manipulation of typography, imagery and pop-up book techniques. Furthermore, you will explore traditional Fine Art techniques using a range of materials and techniques which will be specific to your artists and informed by your personal history or interests. For the main body of work the theme ‘Business Branding’ will be your given starting point and from this you will branch off into a specific area of interest. You will be guided towards a range of historic and contemporary artists and contextual links each with their own distinctive techniques, approaches and ideas. The project will culminate in a range of expertly designed outcomes with a client in mind.
5. What facilities/equipment will I have access to?
Answer: The art department consists of 3 multi-media rooms, a kiln room and pottery wheel. We encourage students to use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and drawing tablets for the development of digital work which can be accessed from a well-resourced computer room in the Creative Arts building. However, we also welcome risk taking and unconventional mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and even textiles techniques.
6. Are there any study visits?
Answer: There is an annual trip to Paris in Feb/Mar of Year 12.
Who to contact to find out more about this subject at A-Level:
Mr Hussain (Head of Art) becthh@beckfoot.org. Mrs Ogilvie (Teacher of Art) beclmb@beckfoot.org.
