Graphics A Level
Course Overview
Graphics at A Level gives students an opportunity to apply their artistic and technical creativity to specific assignments that reflect the real world of design for print, publishing, packaging and many other creative industries.
Over the two-year course, you will complete four main projects, three set by your teacher and one set by the exam board. The first two projects will introduce you to many skills and media including illustration and printing techniques using both traditional and digital media. The third will be a personal investigation project developed around your interests and main skills and will form the coursework element. The fourth will be one of 7 possible projects set by the exam board, you choose just one.
Graphics at Northgate will give you the chance to work on realistic tasks under the guidance of staff that have worked in the real world of graphics and illustration and using professional facilities for both CAD and CAM. You can also specialise within areas of interest including architecture design, fashion design, children’s book illustration and more.
Course Components
Component 1, Personal Investigation (coursework)
- A project based on your personal interests and strengths.
- This will include a written element of 1000 words or more.
Component 2, Externally Set Assignment
- A project chosen from a set of 7 starting points set by the exam board.
- The final outcome for this project will be completed in 15 hours of supervised time.
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including:
- GCSE grade 6 in any Art or Design and Technology based GCSE
Assessment
- 60% Coursework
- 40% Externally set assignment
- All teacher assessed and moderated by the exam board, no written exam.
- Exam Board: OCR
Subject Lead
Mr M Gaffney
Why Choose this Course?
Design for print and advertising is a huge and vital part of every business in today’s world and allows you to demonstrate the creative problem-solving and technology utilising skills desired by employers of all industries.
The course allows you to develop your creativity and skills by applying them to a range of situations that includes developing and researching areas of particular interest to you.
Skills You Gain
You will be given tuition in the use of print techniques, computer aided design and illustration as well as many other design skills by staff who have worked as professionals in graphics and illustration.
After Northgate
Graphics prepares you for any creative course or employment, but most of our students go on to study at degree level in areas including illustration, graphic design and architecture. Others go straight to employment in businesses requiring designers able to utilise technology in a creative way.
"The possibilities in the subject are limitless, and you can be as creative as you like."