Art & Design – Fine Art

Art & Design: Graphic Communication

Pre-requisites:

Pupils must have studied Fine Art or Graphic Communication in Year 9.

Examination Board Edexcel GCSE Type GCSE Specification No. 1GC0

What is Art and Design: Graphic Communication

In Graphic Communication pupils produce original and creative personal work; studying design topics such as Poster Design, Logos, Typography, and Branding. They are encouraged to explore a wide range of media including Photography, Print making, Collage, Illustrator and Photoshop. Pupils develop their skills and ideas through a series of sketchbooks and outcomes. Popular areas of study which usually require pupils to have studied Art & Design are Architecture, Digital Design, Film & Media, Industrial Design, Illustration, Animation and of course Graphic Design.

What skills are involved/developed through the course?

• Intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive capabilities • Lateral thinking, resourcefulness, problem solving, ability to be reflective and make decisions • Self-motivation, resilience, self-management, enthusiasm designing and presenting • The ability to record observations and insights in visual and written form using a range of media • Investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement • Independence of mind in developing, refining and communicating their own ideas, their own intentions and their own personal practical outcomes • Knowledge and experience of real-world contexts and, where appropriate, links to the creative industries • Knowledge and understanding of interrelationships between art, craft, design, media and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures

GCSE Specification Year 10 GCSE Specification Year 11

Unit/Topic Assessment Unit/Topic Assessment

Unit 1 Coursework Continuous Unit 1 - Personal Investigation 60% of GCSE Mark

Unit 2 - Externally set assignment (ESA) 40% of GCSE Mark

Nature and timings of assessment

Coursework assessment is continuous throughout the two-year course. All sketchbook work, prep work and outcomes is assessed for and counts towards the final GCSE grade. The ESA, which starts in January of Year 11, consists of an 8-week preparatory period and a 10-hour timed assessment which is completed in the Art Department. All sketchbook work, prep work and outcomes is assessed for and counts towards the final GCSE grade.

What sort of pupil does it suit and what will they get out of the course?

Art and Design: Graphic Communication would suit any pupil who has an interest and passion for experimenting in design. Pupils taking this course value the opportunity to investigate their own themes, to “think differently” and to enhance their ability in many transferable skills.