Course Description
Graphic communication is defined here as the process of designing primarily visual material to convey information, ideas, meaning and emotions in response to a given or self-defined brief. Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of graphic communication, such as communication graphics, design for print, advertising and branding, illustration, package design, typography, interactive design (including web, app and game), multimedia, motion graphics, signage and exhibition graphics.
How will I be assessed?
Component 1: Portfolio – No time limit, 96 marks and 60% of GCSE
A portfolio that in total shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study.
Component 2: Externally set assignment – Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time, 96 marks and 40% of GCSE
Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.
What will I learn?
The way sources inspire the development of ideas relevant to graphic communication including:
- how sources relate to a given or self-defined brief which might, for example, have a commercial, social or environmental focus or be concerned with other aspects specific to the creative industries
- how ideas, themes, forms, issues and needs can provide the stimulus for creative, imaginative, thoughtful and appropriately focused responses that are fit for a specific intended purpose.
The ways in which meanings, ideas and intentions relevant to graphic communication can be communicated include the use of:
- different forms of representation, brand identity, intended message, target audience and working within parameters determined by client and/or audience expectations and requirements
- visual and tactile elements, such as colour, line, form, tone, texture, shape, pattern, composition, stylisation, simplification, scale and structure.
What could I do next?
GCSE Graphic Communication allows students to access further study at sixth form and university.
There are a range of job roles that this can lead to including Illustration, Photography, Animation, Desktop publishing, Graphic design, Drafting, Art direction, Industrial design, UX design, Web development