Graphics
Key Stage 3: Year 7 & 8 Graphics
In year 7 Students are introduced to Graphics by designing and making products such as brochures, leaflets, packaging solutions and scale models. These projects are designed to help the students become accustomed to using various tools used in the workshop and is the ideal groundwork for the following years.
In year 8 students expand their skills by creating a mini torch and packaging it by branding it. This project is enjoyable and helps them build on specific knowledge learnt from Year 7. They use a range of techniques to create both the graphics on the torch and on the packaging itself. The obvious pathway from Year 8 Graphics is to opt for it at Year 9 and then do the GCSE in one year, in Year 10.
Year 9 Graphics
Students are introduced to what Graphics is all about if they opt for it at the end of Year 8. This course allows them to study the subject for six months, and they will learn a huge range of different skills from model making to professional drawing techniques. Again, students who are artistic, have a flare for design or are very good on the computer would do well on this course. Currently, students work on creating their own housing company with its own corporate identity. They will create plans, technical, perspective, orthographic and exploded drawings, model their ideas into 3D, learn how to render drawings to make them look realistic or 3D, using CAD to generate posters, business cards, leaflets, brochures, letterheads, etc. and much more.
Students will also be assessed throughout the unit and will be awarded a Bronze or Silver Arts Award. This will look very appealing to future colleges, universities and employers as it shows you are a rounded individual with spark & talent.
Key Stage 4: What does the Graphic Products GCSE course involve?
This course is taught in one year in either Y10 or Y11. It is intended for students who have a falre for design, who can use computer design programs well, and are practically minded. The course is challenging yet it offers a huge variety of outcomes and we exhibit the work every year in the summer.
Past projects include a launch of a new fragrance with bottle, packaging and poster; a new sports drink and Point of Sales; a display stand for the new PSP Go; packaging & display solution for high-quality headphones... the list goes on!
How are marks awarded?
- Controlled Assessment [60% weighting] One 20-page A3 portfolio that shows you have research the product, made it, tested it and evaluated it consistently.
- Knowledge & Understanding of Graphic Products written examination [40% weighting] A written examination which is not tiered, so all students can access all grades from G-A*.