Graphic Communication

Applications Open - 10th November 2025

Applications Close - 31st January 2026

Entry Requirements - For entry into year 12 to begin A Level and/or vocational courses, students must meet the minimum requirements in English and Mathematics (grade 4), however most courses require significantly higher grades in certain other GCSE subjects to access them.

How to Apply -

• Internal students – apply via Applicaa (school have emailed all students a link)
• External Students – apply using Applicaa from the Trinity School website under Sixth Form - Apply here

Students are required to study a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 subjects.

Why study the subject?

Graphic communication conveys information and ideas through visual means. The critical element for a graphic designer is the effective communication of a message or idea through the organisation of images and words. The scope of graphic communication has been extended through the growth of design applications in the home and in public and through the development of the internet. Graphic designers need to understand user and audience needs and how these groups respond to various forms of visual communication; as well as how changes to working practices lead to new forms of communication and presentation.

Skills Acquired

• The effects and creative potential of combining and manipulating different two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials and media

• The use of digital and/or non-digital applications

• Experience of working with a broad range of media

• An understanding of the interrelationships between art, craft and design processes and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate

• Knowledge and understanding of art, craft, design and media and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures

Students Suited To The Course

Students will need to be self-motivated, resilient and determined. They will need to have a passion for taking photographs and have a knowledge and understanding of Photoshop and other Adobe software.

What Other Subjects It Combines Well With

Graphic communication combines well with a broad range of subjects including Art and Design, Photography, Product Design and Textiles.

Co-curricular

Visits to museums, galleries and exhibitions will be a vital part of the course.

Unit Content

1. Advertising

• how graphic communication is used to convey information, arouse interest, tell stories, create brand recognition, sell a product or service, promote brand loyalty

• the role of graphic communication within marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, corporate identity design, logo design

• design briefs, clients, audiences, web-based and digital advertising, use of social media

• the use of images and typography in advertising, such as photography, animation or video.

2. Illustration

• the relationships between illustration and narrative

• illustration briefs, clients and audiences

• thumbnails, sketches, dissections, plans and elevations

• the use of digital technology such as photo-editing and vector-based software alongside and in combination with traditional wet and dry working processes

• illustration for a variety of purposes, such as book, magazine, advertising, covers, web-based, interactive

• infographics as a way of communicating data through imaginative charts and diagrams.

3. Branding

• how packaging is determined by its contents

• marketing briefs, clients and audiences, brand identity, brand loyalty

• making suitable production drawings, which may include computer-generated ideas and developments

• surface images, illustration decoration or pattern for packaging

• development and construction of three-dimensional prototypes, considering production materials, recyclable design, using sustainable or renewable materials

• the legal requirements for information that must be included on certain types of packaging, and for barcoding and tracking.

4. Information Design

• letter forms, font types, serif and sans serif fonts, leading, paragraph indents, hanging indents, justification, alignment, headings, kerning and sub-headings

• typographical requirements for digital and print-based products, such as magazine design, newspaper design, web page design, leaflet and poster design

• the appropriate use of templates, page layout, style sheets, image manipulation, compression, workflow and file types

• the appropriate use and combination of words, visual 2D and 3D representations, time and desired user behaviours and responses.

Assessment

The A Level is run as a two year course. Students will complete two coursework projects.

Title: Personal Portfolio

Students will submit a portfolio of work that will be assessed on against the following criteria:

• Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations

• Explore and select appropriate resources

• Record ideas, observations and insights

• Present a personal and meaningful response

Title: Externally Set Assignment (Exam)

Students will have an exam in the summer of year 13; this will be based on a theme set by the exam board. Students will create a body of work in relation to the theme and will have a period of fifteen hours (spread across three days) in exam conditions to complete a final piece and evaluation.

GCSE grade 6 in Art or Photography. A portfolio should be produced as evidence of interest and aptitude in the subject area.

Studying A Level in Graphic Communication can lead to careers as a graphic designer, digital marketer, visual merchandiser, stylist, web designer, phtography and film editor. Students could progress on to a foundation or degree course in areas such as Architecture, Graphic Design, Fine Art, Photography or Fashion.