Graphics

Exam Board:

AQA

What will I study on the course:

You will explore graphic communication as the process of designing primarily visual material to convey information, ideas, meaning, and emotions in response to a given or self-defined brief. Key areas include:

• Developing ideas through research into graphic designers, artists, historical and contemporary contexts (e.g., advertising, branding, illustration).
• Experimenting with techniques and processes such as drawing, digital design (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator), typography, layout, printmaking, photography integration, multimedia, motion graphics, signage, packaging, and interactive design (web/app/game elements).
• Recording observations, experiments, and concepts in sketchbooks or digital formats, with annotations, critical analysis, mood boards, and thumbnails.
• Realising personal intentions through final outcomes like posters, branding identities, book covers, advertising campaigns, packaging designs, or digital media pieces. The course covers areas such as communication graphics, design for print, illustration, typography, and advertising, emphasising composition, colour theory, visual hierarchy, audience targeting, and how graphic design communicates messages effectively in commercial, social, or environmental contexts.

How is the course assessed:

100% non-exam assessment (coursework and externally set assignment; no written exams):

• Component 1: Portfolio – 96 marks, 60% – A sustained personal project (demonstrating the journey from initial ideas to realisation) plus additional work from the course. Internally assessed and externally moderated by AQA; no time limit.
• Component 2: Externally set assignment – 96 marks, 40% – Respond to one starting point from the AQA exam paper (preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time to produce final outcomes). Internally assessed and externally moderated. Both components address four equal assessment objectives: developing ideas (AO1), experimenting/refining (AO2), recording (AO3), and presenting a personal response (AO4). Work is graded 9-1 based on practical portfolios, sketchbooks, design sheets, prototypes, and final pieces.

Post-16 courses:

A Level Graphic Communication (or Art & Design with graphic focus), Level 3 BTEC in Graphic Design, Creative Media, or Art & Design; apprenticeships in design or digital media. Progression to sixth form/college (e.g., Stoke-on-Trent College or local providers) for degrees in graphic design, illustration, advertising, digital media, or related creative fields.

Careers:

Graphic designer, illustrator, brand designer, advertising creative, web/app designer, motion graphics artist, packaging designer, typographer, UX/UI designer, visual communicator, or roles in marketing, publishing, digital agencies, gaming, and the creative industries. The UK creative sector is thriving, with strong demand for skilled designers in freelance, agency, or in-house positions.

Specific advantages:

This specialist course is highly creative and practical, allowing you to focus on graphic design while developing a distinctive personal style in a supportive environment. It suits students who enjoy digital tools, visual problem-solving, typography, and creating impactful designs, with no prior experience required. At Discovery Academy, it’s part of the Creative Arts offer (alongside related subjects like graphic design mentioned in school materials), with access to digital facilities and software, helping build confidence, a professional portfolio, and skills for further creative study.

How useful it is in the real world: