Ashbourne has a very strong Graphics Department where students explore all forms of Graphic Design. They produce traditional hand drawn work but the department also makes sure that it keeps up to date with what is happening in the commercial world. Students are introduced to the most cutting edge technology and advanced media and have produced some sophisticated and innovative work. Tutors from across the Art department work together to encourage their students to mix media, explore ideas and push boundaries.

The Art Department at Ashbourne sees Art and Design as being absolutely central to society. Art is everywhere, in the clothes we wear, the crockery we eat from, the buildings we live in as well as the images we see around us. The Art department is committed to preparing its students for commercial and vocational careers in a wide variety of media.

Why study Graphics?

Graphics A level encourages students to think about how Art is used in the commercial sector. It can help prepare students for specific vocational careers in Design or Advertising, for example. Students evaluate the different kinds of media used for different purposes then go on to select the most appropriate. They will learn to produce work of a very high standard, using a variety of techniques and technologies.

Which syllabus do we follow?

We follow AQA specification for Graphics

How many units are there?

There are four units; two at AS and two at A2

What is the course about?

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of graphic media, techniques and processes, both traditional and new. Students will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art and design, from the past and from recent times. Students will learn to appreciate how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts. They will study historical and contemporary developments, different styles and genres and investigate how images and artefacts relate to their social, environmental and cultural contexts.

Students are required to work in one or more areas Graphic Communication, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas such as: Illustration
Advertising
Packaging and design
Design for print
Communication and computer graphics
Multimedia, animation, web design, film, television and video.

Students will be expected to develop and demonstrate skills in the following: Understanding the meaning, function, style, scale, colour and content in relation to the chosen area of Graphic Communication:

Awareness of intended audience or purpose for their chosen area of Graphic communication
Ability to respond to an issue, concept or idea, working to a brief or answering a need in the chosen area of Graphic Communication
Appreciation of the relationship of form and function and, where applicable, the constraints of working to a brief
Appreciation of the appropriate use of typography (which could include hand lettering and calligraphy) signs and symbols Understanding of variety of materials and genres appropriate to their chosen area of Graphic communication.

How is each unit examined?

Unit 1

AS unit 1 is portfolio of work set and marked by the centre and moderated by Aqa.

Unit 2

AS unit 2 is an externally set assignment. It is produced in supervised conditions over 5 hours and will be marked by the centre and moderated by AQA.

Unit 3

A2 unit 3 is a personal investigation supported by written element of 100-3000 words, set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA.

Unit 4

A2 unit 4 is an externally set assignment. It is produced in timed conditions over 15 hours. Work produced will be marked by the centre and moderated by AQA.

How is the course structured?

Students will work on developing their understanding, technique and ideas over the course of the two years. They will be producing work for their final portfolios throughout the two-year course and will need to keep on top of their workload if they are to be successful

When do the exams take place?

Work can only be submitted in the June examination series.

Which Ashbourne teachers teach this course?

Jak Kirby
(BA (Silapakorn University,Thailand) Photography)

Jak Kirby has a BA in Applied Arts from the University of Silapakorn in her native Thailand. She worked in the advertising industry and as a television director before coming to Ashbourne. Jak began by teaching photography but has developed a flourishing Graphics Department in her ten years at the college. She is particularly interested in practical film making.

Beyond A Level for Art Students

Many of our students are preparing for a career in Art and Design and go on to prestigious Art Colleges but many others combine Art subjects with A Levels in English Literature, Humanities or even Sciences. As well as Graphic Design, students can pursue courses and careers in Interior Design, Product Design, Fashion Design, Public Art, Jewellery Making, Ceramics, Textile Design, Surface Design, Architecture, Photography, Advertising and Animation. Graphic Design A Level can provide a gateway into a structured commercial career.

Any other information

Students wishing to study Art related subjects may need to produce a portfolio of related work, which they are prepared to discuss with the Art Department. Art and Design A levels require students to produce a large quantity of work and are usually unsuitable courses for completion within one year.