Exam board: Pearsons Edexcel
Why study this course?
The Graphic Communication A-level at Ada provides students with a multidisciplinary experience within a state of the art facility. The subject of Graphic Communication is primarily concerned with the process of designing visual material to convey information, ideas, meaning and emotions.
This A-level gives students the chance to explore a range of disciplines such as advertising, branding and logo design, illustration, packaging design, design for print, infographics, typography, multimedia and interactive design.
As part of the course, students have the opportunity to work alongside and network with industry professionals, enter national competitions, work on real life briefs and go on college trips to experience contextual references first hand.
During the course students build a portfolio and are supported by tutors to aid them to progress on to study at university, gain an apprenticeship or find employment.
How does it complement Computer Science?
An A-level in Graphics is highly relevant for tech careers because it provides a strong foundation in visual communication, design principles, and user-centric thinking—skills that are increasingly essential in the digital world.
Problem-Solving and Creativity: Graphic design inherently involves solving visual communication problems. This cultivates a creative and analytical mindset, teaching students to think innovatively and present complex information clearly, which are valuable assets in any tech role.
Software Proficiency: A-level Graphics often involves using industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), providing students with practical technical skills that are directly applicable in many tech and design-related roles.
What will you learn?
Students learn the fundamental principles of graphic design which are explored through the arrangement of the formal elements. Critical thinking and practical techniques are developed and refined through the understanding and application of the design process in response to a given or self-defined brief.
How will I be taught?
The course has a personalised approach which allows students to realise their own ideas from inception to finalisation and arm them with the confidence to pursue their own area of study within the subject by year 13.
The Ada Creative Department has the latest art and design digital technology where students develop key digital skills alongside more traditional techniques such as drawing, photography and print.
As part of the course, students have the opportunity to work alongside and network with industry professionals, enter national competitions, work on real life briefs and go on college trips to experience contextual references first hand.
How will I be assessed?
- Component 1- Personal Investigation- worth 60%
- Component 2 – Externally Set Task – Worth 40%
Where will this take me?
During the course students build a portfolio and are supported by tutors to aid them to progress on to study at university, gain an apprenticeship or find employment. Many students who have studied the Graphic Communication course at Ada have successfully gone on to pursue careers in graphic design, product design, games design and animation.
Possible Career Options Linked to Tech Industries:
- User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design: Creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces for websites, apps, and software, leveraging skills in layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.
- Web Development (Front-End): Applying visual balance, branding, and user flow understanding to build engaging and user-friendly websites.
- Digital Marketing and Content Creation: Developing compelling visual content for online advertisements, social media, branding, and email campaigns to drive engagement and growth.
Further Study & Career Opportunities (Broader Scope from Graphic Communication Degree):
Possible Career Paths:
Advertising, Animation, Designer for Film & Television, Exhibition Designer, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Interior & Spatial Design, Publishing, Production Designer, Scientific or Medical Illustrator, Studio Manager, Teacher, Typographer, Web and App Designer, Marketing.
Possible Degree Options:
Animation, Digital Arts, Graphic Communication, Graphic Design, Media Design, Illustration, Printmaking, Packaging Design, Typographic Design, Graphic and Communication Design.
Key links/ reading list / website links
Web:
- www.jonnywan.com
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0-wBQhOPLcm
- www.nowness.com/story/lei-lei-this-is-not-a-time-to-lie
- www.escapeintolife.com/art-reviews/heinz-edelmann/
- www.sandyskoglund.com
- www.behance.net/jessicawalsh
- www.creativebloq.com/packaging/bird-shaped-packaging-flies-shelves-german-shoereseller-7133738
- webneel.com/company-logo-evolution-history-brand
Books:
- Graphic Icons: Visionaries Who Shaped Modern Graphic Design, John Clifford, Peachpit Press, 2013
- Designs as Art, Bruno Munari, Penguin Classics, 2008
- The A-Z of Visual Ideas: How to Solve any Creative Brief, John Ingledew, Laurence King, 2011
- Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities, David Airey, New Riders, 2009
- Pioneers of Modern Graphic Design: A Complete History, Jeremy Aynsley, Mitchell Beazley, 2004
- What is Graphic Design, Quentin Newark, Rotovision, 2007
- Packaging Prototypes, Edward Denison, Rotovision, 2006
- Unpack Me! New Packaging Design, Wang Sahoqiang, Promopress, 2013
Something to follow
- Also use Instagram to follow designers too
- Instagram: Daily-poster
- Graphic designers on Youtube/Behance
Equipment List Art:
- Pens (biros, fine liners)
- A range of pencils e.g. 2B, 4B, 6B
- Rubbers
- Metal 30cm ruler
- A3 plastic folder
Other useful things
- Digital camera or good quality phone camera
- Memory Stick (4GB at least)
Link to Pearson’s Ed-excel art and design Book List
