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Preference Subject
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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 on 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 three different projects, building up a
body of work and evidence of all the assessment objectives for their portfolio.
Examples of the projects are:
Typography Project: Words to Life
This project will last approximately twelve 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 exploring 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 eight 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 ten hour timed test. The timed
test is the production of a final piece based upon exam development students carry
out in the eight 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.
The theme 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.
