Graphic Communication A Level 3

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

The A level Graphic Communication course comprises of two parts: a Personal investigation and an Externally Set assignment.

The course emphasises the importance of personal choice and independent study. Students will start by developing their own briefs negotiated with teaching staff and then create work that starts with a foundation in drawing. Students then experiment and develop their ideas in a range of materials and techniques including painting, printmaking, 3-Dimensional options, photography, digital work including Photoshop and Illustrator.

The course also puts a high emphasis on student’s ability to analyse Graphic illustrators’ work and contextual references that link to their work. This includes a 3000-word essay that will be developed in conjunction with their second project. Students must also be able to analyse their own work showing links to artists and a deep and firm understanding of the wider issues in their work.

Students are expected to create a range of high-quality final pieces that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of graphic communication and their ability to evaluate their own work.

Personal Investigation

The Personal Investigation takes the form of two projects, these projects allow for personal choices with the emphasis on independent learning. Students must design their own briefs focusing on a project that allows them to explore a range of graphical outcomes that is thoughtfully discussed with the teaching staff. After designing a brief, students must develop and explore their themes creating a range of outcomes in a professional manner.

Students must show development of ideas; this includes an ability to research a range of artists work, analysing their processes and using the knowledge gained to influence and inspire their own work. Students must also have the ability to experiment with a range of ideas and materials that are appropriate to their starting points, reviewing and refining their work purposefully. Students must have a strong ability to record their ideas and reflect critically on their work and progress. Finally, they must have the ability to create a personal and imaginative final realisation that makes connections between their work and others.

Student’s practical outcomes can take the form of a range of final realisations that can include 2-D paintings, printmaking, photography, textiles, multimedia pieces and digital work packaging, posters, magazine covers. Students will be expected to produce high quantity quality work during the course

The practical aspect of the course is complimented with a 3000-word essay that explores the students chosen practical brief from an analytical viewpoint. Students will be expected to devise a title for the essay based on their second project. From this point they must complete in-depth research on their topic and then write an essay that shows their understanding of the artists and the themes from their research.

Externally Set Assignment

The Externally Set Assignment is a response to topics given by the Examining Board. The papers are issued in early February and students have until mid- May to finalise their responses.

During this preparatory period students are to complete a range of investigations and developments including experimentation with ideas and materials, exploration into artist and contextual studies, good quality recording from observation and critical analysis of their own work. This should allow students to produce a high quantity of preparatory work while at the same time developing the quality of their work. These studies should help the students devise a range of final pieces for the exam.

Students must then complete a 15 hour examination final piece under examination conditions. At the end of the exam all work must be submitted for final assessment.

There will be continual assessment throughout the course using the exam board’s assessment objectives.

AO1 - Develop – This assesses how students have developed their ideas and themes, students need to learn to show how they have moved from idea to idea but also why and how their ideas have developed in the ways they have. This is reinforced with analysis of other artists work

AO2 – Experiment – Students must show they have explored and experimented with materials techniques and ideas. They must demonstrate they have fully experimented with their ideas and made inquiries into all possibilities showing a good understanding of their theme.

AO3- Record – This asses the drawing, painting, printmaking, digital work and sculpting the students undertake, as well as the analysis of their work

AO4- Present – This is the final pieces they create, the evaluations they make and the connections they make with other artists.

Each assessment objective is worth 25% of the final mark

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics

Grade 6 in GCSE Art or Graphics

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

You could take this course with other Advanced level courses such as History, Media or DT to prepare for higher education in areas of art and design, photography, architecture or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to art and design such as an Architect, Interior or Fashion Designer. The course will also encourage you to explore your creative mind and help you develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.