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  4. Graphic Communication (A-level)

Graphic Communication (A-level)

This A-Level course lets you explore diverse fields like advertising and illustration, using real-world projects and industry connections to build a professional portfolio for university or a career.

Why Study A-Level Graphics?

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.

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.

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.

What you’ll 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 assessed?

Exam board: Pearsons Edexcel

Component 1- Personal Investigation- worth 60%

Component 2 – Externally Set Task – Worth 40%

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.

Where will this take me?

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 course have successfully gone on to pursue careers in Advertising, Animation, Film & Television Design, Exhibition Design, Games Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior & Spatial Design, Publishing, Production Design, Scientific or Medical Illustration or Web and App Design.

Some possible further education options include: Animation, Digital Arts, Graphic Communication, Graphic Design, Media Design, Illustration, Printmaking, Packaging Design, Typographic Design, Graphic and Communication Design.

Early Career examples in tech:

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.

Equipment list / key links / reading lists / website links:

Access your required equipment list and recommended reading lists, essential websites, and primary sources for Graphics.

A-level Headlines

20%

A*- A

37%

A*- B

73%

A*- C

Teaching staff