Course Summary
Graphic design is the art of visually communicating ideas through the use of images, typography, color, and layout. It involves creating designs for various mediums such as print, digital media, branding, advertising, and websites. Graphic designers use software tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to craft everything from logos and posters to social media graphics and packaging.
Graphic design suits individuals who have a strong sense of aesthetics, creativity, and attention to detail. It is ideal for people who enjoy visual storytelling, have a good eye for colour and composition, and like working on a wide range of projects. Strong communication skills and the ability to interpret a client’s needs are also important.
Course Content
There are many elements to graphic design and depending on the level of course that you start with us you can look forward to studying many of these topics during your time with us including:
• Study and explore traditional drawing skills and digital illustration techniques
• Study historical, contemporary designers, artists and illustrators
• Apply marker pen processes and presentation techniques for illustration and visual communication
• Acquire skills and techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
• Illustration and visual communication
• Desktop publishing techniques and processes, page layout design for visual communication
• Examine and apply design concepts and produce illustrations for book covers and posters
• Conceptual ideas generation and layout design for visual communication
• Review the structure of type and typographical forms for graphic design
Course Assessment
Work is assessed by course staff throughout the year using:
• Coursework assessment
•Actual work made
• Group tutorials
• Group discussions
• Presentations
• Annotated sketch books
• Written work
• Project based assessments
• End of year exhibition
Materials
There are a number of essential items needed for this course. A tailored starter pack is available to purchase from the college (this will contain essential equipment). Letters are issued at enrolment which include details of content and costs.
There is an expectation that learners take part in educational visits tailored to their programme of study. The costs for these vary and can be compulsory.
Progression
The progression table shows you all of our creative, performance and media subjects along with the levels you are likely to study at depending upon your final GCSE grades. Offers will be made based on your indicated grades and the levels available within the progression table.
Area |
Expected grades when leaving school. |
|||
Level 1 - no formal qualifications needed |
Level 2 - 3 x GCSEs at grade 3 including English & Maths |
Level 3 - 4 x GCSEs at grade 4 including English & Maths |
T Level - 5 x GCSEs at grade 4 including English & Maths |
|
Art & Design |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Graphic Design |
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Games Design |
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Fashion & Textiles |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Media |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Film & Media |
|
|
Yes |
|
Music |
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Performing Arts - Acting |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Performing Arts - Dance |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Photography |
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Production Arts - Technical Theatre |
|
|
Yes |
|
Production Arts - Special Effects Make-Up |
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Entry Requirements
- No GCSE results for Level 1
- 3x GCSEs at grade 3 including English & Maths for Level 2
- 4 x GCSEs at grade 4 including English & Maths for Level 3
- 5 x GCSEs at grade 4 including English & Maths for T Level Level 3