Art and Design: Graphics
Graphic design is defined as the process of designing primarily visual material that conveys information, ideas, meaning and emotions. Work will be created both digitally and through more traditional art techniques such as drawing.
What is the exam board and specification?
The exam board is AQA.
What will you study?
In component 1 and 2 students are required to work in one or more areas of graphic communication such as design for print, illustration, package design, typography or web-based design. You will need to conduct effective research and analysis of traditional and contemporary works and use these to inform and guide your own practice and development.
You will investigate and experiment with how sources relate to a design brief that may focus on commercial, social, or environmental factors. You will also investigate how ideas, themes, forms, issues, and needs can provide outcomes for creative and focused responses, fit for an intended purpose. During your study, you will use a wide range of materials and processes such as printmaking, painting, digital media, and craftsmanship.
Component 1 consists of short, focused workshops that aim to develop skills, techniques and use of a range of materials. You will also respond to and develop two sustained, independent projects based on a range of themes. Outcomes can take any form so you can focus on your own areas of interest such as those areas outlined above.
Component 2 consists of a paper set by the external exam board, in January, this takes a similar structure to your coursework, building your preparation work over the course of 7 – 10 weeks and ending with a 10-hour practical exam where you will create your final piece in response to the paper.
How will you be assessed?
The coursework portfolio is worth 60% of your overall grade and is developed over the course of the first year. The externally set paper is worth 40% of your final grade. All the work is marked and assessed by your Arts teacher and then externally moderated by the exam board. You can find the marking criteria and weighting that is applied to all work here. Written annotation and drawing for purpose must be explicitly evidenced in both component 1 and 2
What qualities do I need to be successful in the subject?
You need to be passionate and dedicated to the subject, successful outcomes take time. Problem solving skills are key as well as an eye for visual communication, you will need to develop an understanding of different software and technologies that can be used to manipulate and produce digital content. In addition, you should have interest and passion in the creative process.
What future opportunities can I have with this subject?
Due to the subject content, creative students have a well-rounded portfolio of skills this makes them more accomplished, hireable, and capable of outrivalling their peers in a wide range of professions. Many careers such as Architecture, Fashion design, Web development, CAD technician, Product designer, Advertising, Photojournalism, Illustrators or Textiles designer require or need Art and Design based skills and new data shows that the UK creative industries are growing at twice the average of the UK economy.
Who should I contact for further information?
You can contact Miss Robinson (h.robinson@kwschool.co.uk). The Student Art Guide is also very informative and has a range of information that you may find helps you explore the subject further: https://www.studentartguide.com/featured/high-school-graphic-design-projects
