Graphics (A Level)

Applications Open - 10th November 2025

Applications Close - 27th February 2026

Entry Requirements - Please refer to the Sixth Form Course Directory via the website www.knoleacademy.org

Option blocks and detailed subject information can be found in our course directory https://www.knoleacademy.org/3569/information-for-students-applying-for-september-2025

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices

PLEASE NOTE WHEN SELECTING COURSES THERE ARE FOUR POSSIBLE PATHWAYS

Vocational pathway - Select minimum of 3 vocational subjects

IBCP pathway - Select minimum 1 vocational and minimum 2 IB subjects

IBDP pathway - Select only the IBDP option from Block E. We will contact you about subject options

Level 2 pathway -Select either Culinary Skills or Hairdressing

The qualification gives a coherent introduction to the study of Graphics. Students develop a broad range of Graphic Design work and gain an understanding of the creative process.

This course has been designed for Post 16 Graphics students who enjoy learning new techniques and want to develop key skills required in the Graphic Design industry.

It will prepare candidates to progress into further or higher education, to follow courses in a broad range of Graphics based subjects, and ultimately to pursue a career in the creative industries.

Graphic Design is essentially about visual communication. It is all around us and we can see evidence of Graphic Designers’ work in advertising, magazines, books, packaging, websites, and anywhere a message, an idea or an emotion needs to be conveyed with text and image.

This course enables students to reflect on the work of artists and designers and to learn about the professional practices relevant to this specialism. Students will learn how to respond to a brief, and to work with a target audience in mind, encouraging them to problem solve and think critically about their work.

Skills building workshops:

Students take part in a series of skills-based workshops to develop their graphic design skills. They are encouraged to explore a broad range of media, techniques and processes in preparation for component 1.

Component 1: Personal investigation

This is a practical investigation supported by written material.

Students conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation is identified independently by the student and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

The investigation is an in-depth study that demonstrates the student’s ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation. They will research and develop ideas and relate their work in meaningful ways to relevant critical/contextual materials, being informed by an aspect of contemporary or past practice of artists, photographers, designers or craftspeople.

Component 2: Externally set assignment

Preparatory period – from 1 February in year 13

Following receipt of the paper students should consider the starting points and select one. Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, design sheets, sketchbooks, workbooks, journals, models and maquettes.

Supervised time – 15 hours

Following the preparatory period, students have 15 hours of unaided, supervised time in which to produce a finished outcome/s informed by their preparatory work.

A LEVEL ASSESSMENT:

Year 1 and Year 2

60% - Personal Investigation

40% - Externally set assignment

Minimum of five 9-4 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths.

See Careers Leader for more information.

Future courses & possible careers:

• Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
• BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• BA (Hons) Visual Communication
• BA (Hons) Advertising
• Graphic Design Apprenticeship
• Advertising Art Director
• VFX Artist
• Production Designer
• Creative Director