ART & DESIGN GRAPHICS
A Level
On our A level course you will study, discover and investigate a wide variety of graphical communication methods such as:
* illustration
* typography
* advertising and branding
* package design
* computer graphics
* multimedia design
* animation and special effects
* storyboarding and layout
* web and app design
* game design
There is a mixture of both theory and practical work on the course and you will learn to use these cohesively to produce quality outcomes that will eventually help you build a range of skills and knowledge in the subject area.
You will undertake a 'Personal Creative Enquiry' which consists of an extended, exploratory project/portfolio and outcomes based on themes and subject matter which are personal and meaningful to you. Following this you will carry out a 'Personal Investigation' consisting of a major, in-depth, practical, critical and theoretical project and theme-based portfolio together with extended written critical analysis. The themes for this project are decided upon following discussion with your teacher.
Preparing for this course
Examples of Graphic Designers that you could explore on the course:
Neville Brody, Paul Rand, Quentin Blake, Emma Dibben, Paula Scher, Milton Glaser, Chip Kidd, Alan Fletcher, Seymour Chwast, Peter Saville, David Carson, Stefan Sagmeister, Michael Bierut, Massimo Vignelli, Lester Beall, William Golden, Jacqueline Casey, Cipe Pineles, Susan Kare, Alexey Brodovich, Herb Lubalin, Max Miedinger, Ivan Chermayeff.
Graphics links to designer blogs, lectures, artists and sketchbook pages:
More about the course
What will I study
You will be introduced to a wide variety of possibilities which will help you develop your own practice as a designer. You will be introduced to a number of platforms of design which can range from brand identity to advertising, marketing campaigns to children’s books. You will participate in workshops that include practice in design processes such as using the industry software and learning hand rendered techniques.
Why choose Graphic Design at KGV
The Art & Design department is located within KGV’s Creative Arts Building with some very specialist facilities for our creative students. The building includes two spacious and bright fine art studios, a photography studio, a dark room, a textiles studio, and multiple mac suites kitted out with the latest graphics editing software. All are equipped with everything you’ll need to produce professional pieces of work and are available for all Art and Design students to use, both inside and outside of teaching hours.
Recent students have gone on to study at Manchester Metropolitan University, Glasgow school of Art, London College of Art, Edinburgh University, Leeds College of Art and University of Central Lancashire.
Entry Requirements
Standard
5 GCSEs at grades 9 - 5 and or including, English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above.
Course Specific
You will need a grade 4 in an art, design or graphics subject. If you do not have this experience, please contact the college admissions to discuss this further.