Graphics

Applications Open: 5th December 2025

Applications Close: 31st January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSE grades of 4 or above of which must include English & Maths. Then individual subject criteria

Science and Maths - require level 7 in subject to study (plus 6 in maths for science subjects)

Most other courses require level 6 to study

At Fort Pitt our Graphics course provides a broad base of creative study which encompasses IT skills such as Photoshop and animation, as well as giving students the opportunity to develop their skills by working with a wide range of materials and techniques. These include the essential components of drawing and painting, as well as model making; photography; print making; mixed media and experimental work with combinations of these. All projects have a potential commercial application and students learn how to combine imagery with type which could be utilized in the world of business.

At all stages of the course there will be opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcome(s). An extensive range of extra-curricular activities will be arranged to enrich the classroom experience such as artists coming into school, trips to galleries and exhibitions and visual research expeditions.

During the first year, students will be set a series of projects, which consolidate their skills and knowledge. At the end of this year, each individual identifies a focal area (in conjunction with their teacher) for an in-depth Personal Investigation for completion by the end of January in Y13. This project brings together previous learning and also provides a vehicle for students’ to really develop their interests in one specialist area.

Students will be issued with a theme, with several suggested starting points set by Edexcel in February of their second year, from which they will be required to develop a portfolio of preparatory studies culminating in a timed test of 15 hours when they will be required to produce a final outcome under examination conditions.

Component 1 - Personal Investigation 60% of final marks

Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment 40% of final marks

Students will need to have a grade 6 or above in GCSE Art and Design.

Those who chose to study any of the Art and Design subjects may seek a career in the creative and design industries, in areas as diverse as Architecture, Advertising, Medical Illustration, Restoration,Textiles and Fashion, Illustration and Graphic or Product design. However, Art and Design as a vocation is not the only reason for its value. It is a student-centred subject which encourages breadth of thought, independence of approach and a critical mind-set. Those who are trained to be curious and to ‘think outside of the box’ are in great demand by employers in an increasingly competitive world.