Graphic Communication A Level
Course Summary
Students are expected to cover one or more of the following areas; illustration, advertising, packaging design, design for print, communication and, computer graphics, multimedia, animation, web design, film, television and/or video. They will explore a variety of drawing techniques and use digital media such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. They will be expected to explore a range of genres, styles and traditions.
A Level Graphic Communication
Component 1 – Personal Investigation
Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, 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. It must include evidence of the student’s ability to research and develop ideas and relate their work in meaningful ways to relevant critical/contextual materials.
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment
Students will select one question from a choice of eight from an exam paper and use this as their stating point. Preparatory work is then undertaken and should be presented in any suitable format.
Supervised time – 15 hours in which students must produce a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes informed by their preparatory work.
Where might it lead
Students who study Graphic Design can go on to work in varied professions such as Advertising & Marketing, Animation, Editorial Illustration, Picture Book Illustration, Packaging Design and Art Direction.
Student Perspective
‘I found the projects really interesting and enjoyable. I feel the skills I have learnt have prepared me for a job after school.’
James Jackson, Year 13
Assessment Criteria
Component 1 – 96 marks and 60% of A Level
Component 2 – 96 marks and 40% of A Level
Assessed by teachers: Moderated externally
Grade Requirements & Exam Board
Grade 6 or above in an Art and Design subject.
AQA
Contact details
Mrs L Mason, lmn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Art and Design Faculty
Fine Art A Level
Course Summary
During AS Level Fine Art the emphasis is on experimentation with new materials and techniques and the development of ideas. At A Level, students are expected to work much more independently. There are Life Drawing classes available for interested students and gallery visits to gather research and inspiration. Students can explore drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, installation, printmaking, video, film, animation and photography.
Personal Investigation
Students begin this component by observing Anatomy and Physiology project. They then develop this initial starting point into a more independent led project as the component progresses. Students should include evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials. Students will produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates a selection of thoughtfully presented work which shows breadth and depth of study.
Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, 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. It must include evidence of the student’s ability to research and develop ideas and relate their work in meaningful ways to relevant critical/contextual materials.
Externally Set Assignment
Students will select one question from a choice of eight from an exam paper and use this as their stating point. Preparatory work is then undertaken and should be presented in any suitable format.
Supervised time – 15 hours in which students must produce a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes informed by their preparatory work.
Duration – February to the end of May
Where might it lead
Many Fine Art students go on to university to study a degree or Art Foundation course. Your creativity can then open the door to exciting career opportunities such as advertising, illustration, painting, sculpting, printmaking, textile design, fashion design, animation, photography, museum or art gallery curation, art therapy, teaching, computer game design, jewellery design or theatre set design.
Student perspective
“My teachers encourage me to push myself outside of my comfort zone and work in areas that I wouldn’t normally do.”
Sarah Nixon, Year 13
Assessment Criteria A Level
Component 1 – 96 marks and 60% of A Level
Component 2 – 96 marks and 40% of A Level
Assessed by teachers: Moderated externally
Grade Requirement & Exam Board
Grade 6 or above in an Art and Design subject.
AQA
Contact details
Mrs L Mason, lmn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Art and Design Faculty
3D Design A Level
Course Summary
Three-dimensional design is an exciting and challenging course. It is the ideal opportunity to explore ideas and develop skills and is a great first step for those who wish to follow a design related course at University. Its balance of practical, academic and analytical skills are widely transferable and students intending to study courses unrelated to art and design also find that it complements their other subject choices. A course in three-dimensional design will enable you to select appropriate materials and learn how they fit together, develop an understanding of scale and experiment with texture and surface finish.
A-level is a practical course in which you learn by doing, so you will be able to create imaginative personal work. You will find out about a whole range of media, techniques and processes. You will develop your creativity and independence, learn to express yourself visually and let your imagination flourish.
A-Level Three-Dimensional Design
Component 1 – Personal Investigation 60%
Students are required to conduct a practical design investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation is identified by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. This component is often focussed around furniture or product design.
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment 15 hours exam conditions 40%
Where might it lead
Students who study three-dimensional design could go on to become an Architect, Ceramicist, Design consultant, Exhibition Designer, Engineer, Environmental designer, Furniture designer, Interior designer, Jewellery designer, Landscape Architect, Model Maker, Product Designer, Teacher, Toy designer, Set designer.
This broad course of study has a distinct focus on problem solving and responding to a brief. Students studying 3D have gone on to pursue a career in project management, the financial industries, research and development the list goes on.
‘In businesses where design is integral to operations, over three quarters say they’ve increased their competitiveness and turnover through design.’
The Design Council
Student perspective
“Design gives you the freedom to explore what excites you, through the education of techniques and skills in the subject field”
Huw Evan, Year 13
Assessment Criteria
Component 1 – 96 marks and 60% of A-Level
Component 2 – 96 marks and 40% of AS-Level
Assessed by teachers: Moderated externally
Grade Requirement & Exam Board
Grade 6 or above in an Art and Design subject.
AQA
Contact details
Mr George Robinson – grn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of 3D Design
Photography A Level
Course Summary
During this course students will learn about the different technical and aesthetic aspects of Photography. Students will create a portfolio of images with access to our state of the art MAC suites, Adobe software and DSLR cameras. You can focus on both digital photography and manipulation as well as traditional darkroom practice. Genres to study are portraiture, landscape, still life, documentary, photojournalism, fashion, experimental imagery, multimedia, photographic installation, video, film and animation and much more.
A Level Photography
Component 1 – Personal Investigation
Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, 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. It must include evidence of the student’s ability to research and develop ideas and relate their work in meaningful ways to relevant critical/contextual materials.
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment
Students will select one question from a choice of eight from an exam paper and use this as their stating point. Preparatory work is then undertaken and should be presented in any suitable format.
Supervised time – 15 hours in which students must produce a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes informed by their preparatory work.
Where might it lead
Many Photography students go on to university to study a degree or Art Foundation course. Your creativity can then open the door to exciting career opportunities such Photojournalism, Fashion Photography, Editorial Photography, freelance Photographer and many more.
Student perspective
“I’ve loved learning about how to use a camera creatively.”
Megan Griffiths, Year 12
Assessment Criteria A Level
Component 1 – 96 marks and 60% of A Level
Component 2 – 96 marks and 40% of A Level
Assessed by teachers: Moderated externally
Grade required & Exam Board
Grade 6 or above in an Art and Design subject.
AQA
Contact details
Mr Barker gbr@knutsfordacademy.org.uk or Miss Wilkinson jwn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk
Textiles A Level
Course Summary
A Level Textiles challenges students to design and develop original textile garments and samples in any textiles medium of their choice. Consequently a high degree of enquiry and self-directed learning is required, especially when students have the option of designing and making products in any of the Textiles areas including; Fashion, Costume, Soft Sculpture, Interior Design and Knitwear. To support this ethos, Textiles staff have a huge range of specialist experience and students will be expected to regularly discuss and develop their ideas in tutorials with their teacher and peers. Students are required to be resourceful, researching into and developing an inspirational starting point, applying suitable materials and experimenting freely to develop original samples and garments. Students will be expected to manage their own time effectively, committing to five hours additional study every week, knowing that they can access the textile room during study periods to extend skills in techniques. This hands-on experience will develop students ability to plan the two coursework projects their externally set assignment.
Component 1- Portfolio and Personal investigation
Students begin this component by undertaking a variety of workshops, exploring a range of media and techniques. They then develop this initial starting point as the unit progresses. Students should include evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials. Students will produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates a selection of thoughtfully presented work which shows breadth and depth of study.
Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, 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. It must include evidence of the student’s ability to research and develop ideas and relate their work in meaningful ways to relevant critical/contextual materials.
Duration – September to the end of January
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment
Students will select one question from a choice of eight from an exam paper and use this as their stating point. Preparatory work is then undertaken and should be presented in any suitable format.
Supervised time – 15 hours in which students must produce a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes informed by their preparatory work.
Duration – February to the end of May
Where might it lead
Many Textiles students go on to university to study a degree or Art Foundation course. Your creativity can then open the door to exciting career opportunities such as; textile design, fashion design, costume design, textile print design, jewellery design, interior design or theatre set design.
Student perspective
“We are encouraged to explore our own ideas, whilst being supported by the teachers extensive knowledge of designers and textile techniques”
Sara Coggin, Year 1
Assessment Criteria A Level
A Level
Component 1 – 96 marks and 60% of A Level
Component 2 – 96 marks and 40% of A Level
Assessed by teachers: Moderated externally
Grade Required & Exam Board
Grade 6 or above in an Art and Design subject.
AQA
Contact details
Mrs Lucy Mason – lmn@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Art and Design Faculty
For more information on Art & Design at Knutsford follow them on instragram @ADT_Knutsford.
