|
Preference Subject
|
For the Graphic Communication Endorsement in Art and Design, students will
be expected to solve problems and create solutions by visual means. Students
must be alert to the possibilities offered by a huge range of materials and
processes within graphic communication and of the important role of signs and
symbols. In producing graphic solutions to defined problems, students must be
able to balance aesthetic and commercial considerations.
Students are expected to work upon areas such as advertising, packaging,
typography and illustration.
The Edexcel GCSE in Art and Design - Graphic Communication Endorsement is comprised
of two units:-
Unit 1: To create a Personal Portfolio in Art and Design.
Unit 2: An externally Set Assignment in Art and Design (exam.)
Unit 1 – Year 10
Under the Edexcel specification, students are expected to create a portfolio of work.
During Year 10, students will be working on 3 different projects, building up a body
of work and evidence of all the assessment objectives for their portfolio.
Examples of the projects they will be doing are:
Typography Project: Words to Life
This project will last around 12 weeks. During this time, students will be
investigating different types of typography used within advertising. Students will
be expected to design their own lettering examples based upon combining imagery with
the word. Students can use the computers to help with their work, however the majority
of it will be illustrated, drawn or painted.
Magazine Design
Students will be given a project brief to design a magazine cover for their age group.
They will be looking at, and understanding the use of colour; experimenting with layout
and designs; looking at suitable typography and creating a name for the magazine. They
will be looking at artists and designers who influence their ideas. Students will be
expected to draw / paint / make their outcomes so an interest in Art and ability to
draw is absolutely necessary.
Film Poster Design
Students will be given a film to illustrate. Their poster will include typography and
other important information. Students will be looking at illustrators for inspiration.
Students will have experimented with materials such as acrylic paint, ink, pencils and
graphic pens so will be able to create a poster in their own unique style.
Unit 2: Year 11
Students will be set an external exam by the exam board (Edexcel). The exam takes place
over 8 school weeks and it begins as soon as the exam paper is issued. During the Art
lessons, students are expected to work independently with guidance from their teacher
to develop ideas ready for the 10 hour timed test. The timed test is the production of
a final piece based upon exam development students carry out in the 8 weeks beforehand.
The theme of the exam is set by the exam board and it is open as a starting point, so
that students can develop their own ideas and it usually involves one word which can be
developed, such as “Barriers”.
The exam paper is issued to students around February of Year 11 and the timed test
usually takes place around May of Year 11. All students will have the opportunity to
do a mock exam in January of Year 11 for an insight into the actual experience.
So Why Choose Art and Design: Graphic Communication Endorsement?
If you like Art, drawing, painting and creating things, then this is the subject for you.
It is different to Art and Design because it is more about design and advertising,
communicating a message. You will be able to illustrate objects that you like, such as
cars, skateboarding, horses and fashion, depending on the project brief. You will be
able to use some computer-aided design to help you with your work.
It is very important that you are choosing Art because you enjoy it. The majority of
students who do very well in this subject are those who enjoy working on ideas at home,
not just during lessons. If you can work independently and are willing to do the set
homework each week, then this is the course for you.
