Graphic Communication A Level
at St Brendan'S Sixth Form College, Bristol · sixth form college
What the college says
Graphic Communication encourages free expression and is about communicating and expressing information in a visual creative and exciting way. The course focuses on the relationship between typography and image leading to a broad range of Graphic Design outcomes. The specification studied is the OCR Art & Design (Graphic Communication). It may be taken alongside Photography Fine Art and Textile Design. This is a two year course. Students are assessed on the following two units at the end of the second year. Unit One Personal Investigation 60% of A-level Unit Two Externally Set Task 40% of A-level In the first year students following the course explore graphic design in its widest sense through coursework projects and theoretical knowledge. Subjects covered include typography advertising packaging illustration and photography. The use of computer software is included in the course alongside more traditional skills such as observational drawing and printmaking to produce effective Graphic Design solutions. In the second year students will choose their own areas of study and will set their own design briefs building upon the knowledge and skills that they have learnt in the first year. The work is much more independent with advice and guidance from the staff. Students are also required to produce a written study about an artist or designer as part of their Personal Investigation.
What you need to get on
Trips and visiting speakers are organised throughout the year in order to inspire students and give them a broader understanding of Graphic Communication. These will come at a variable cost but we will always keep costs down wherever we can. You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature a GCSE Art subject is desirable. You will be asked to do an assignment before starting the course this must be completed before enrolment. Plenty of
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
St Brendan's Sixth Form College
St Brendans Sixth Form College Broomhill Road, Bristol, BS4 5RQ
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 2 September 2026 · Bristol
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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