Graphic Communication
This course introduces students to different ways of conveying information, ideas and emotions, using a range of graphic media, processes, techniques and elements such as colour, typography and photographs.
For more pupils’ art work, visit our PUPILS’ WORK – GALLERY.
Students will explore traditional and new technologies. Students develop many skills and techniques, using materials, processed and concepts to develop work and ideas.
Curriculum
KS3
In KS3 we explore a range of projects that are designed to develop specific skills in each year of KS3. Students will develop their ability to think creatively and to form expressive responses to a range of tasks. Projects are designed to develop skills in creative thought, dexterity, and Graphic Communication techniques and equipment. Embedded in the curriculum is the opportunity to develop research and communication skills.
KS4
Coursework will consist of work in a range of different media to build a portfolio of work consisting of a selection of the best work produced during the course.
Students will explore Graphic Communication techniques and principles through specific tasks and assignments, developing skills and use of new technologies (laser cutter, vinyl cutter and sublimation printer) and equipment in a variety of ways so to gain experience and build a portfolio of your work.
Areas of study will be broken down into units. Units will be chosen from the following areas of study;
- Advertising
- Communication graphics
- Design for print
- Illustration
- Interactive design (including web, app and game)
- Multi-media
- Package design
- Signage
- Typography
This course will encourage creativity and design awareness within the context of Graphic Communication. Drawing skills are developed from design roughs to final working drawings, including digital drawings using Adobe Photoshop skills and use of digital drawing tablets. Digital Photography skills will also be developed.
Contextual studies help students to develop an understanding of contemporary and traditional Graphic Communication.
Supporting studies will be generated in a range of media/scales and will support more sustained outcomes.
The second Component is externally set by the exam board and is given out in the Spring term of Year 11. This will make up the remaining 40% of the marks for the award. Students are allowed to pursue their choice of response to the given theme and develop a selection of supporting studies towards a final outcome produced under timed conditions.
KS5
The KS4 course allows entry to Art, craft & Design at KS5. This is a widely expressive art based course that will allow students to continue to express their ideas in a range of media. The opportunity in KS5 allows further focus in a wide range of areas of study, including; painting & drawing, lens/light based media (photography), printing, textiles media, sculpture and digital art. Skills are refined with the opportunity for extended study in your chosen area.
Supporting studies will be generated in a range of media/scales and will support more sustained outcomes.
The course will develop;
- intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive capabilities
- investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement
- independence of mind in developing, refining and communicating own ideas, own intentions and own personal outcomes
- an interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of art, craft and design
- experience of working with a broad range of media
an understanding of the interrelationships between art, craft and design processes and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate - knowledge and experience of real-world contexts and, where appropriate, links to the creative industries
- knowledge and understanding of art, craft, design and media and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures
- an awareness of different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of art, craft and design.
Visits/Extra Curricular
Visits are arranged to London Galleries and museums during the two-year GCSE course.
The Royal Academy visit to run an Outreach workshop delivered by a practising artist. KS4 and KS5 students have the opportunity to take part.
Visiting artists come in to school to run workshops/talk about their work.
Each week enrichment clubs are offered in a variety of activities including; The Art rooms are regularly open after school and at lunchtimes to allow students to catch up or practice their skills in ‘Design Boost’ clubs!
We also run a Christmas Card Design competition with the winning design being turned into the official school’s Christmas card for the year. All participants are awarded points for their House and their designs are available to order as Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gift tags, mugs and water bottles. These can be ordered using the artist’s name and artwork code supplied within published timeframes. Order BHGS Christmas Cards here
List of 2021 designs with Artwork Codes and Artists’ names (deadline: 1st Nov 2021) here: (the first 5 are this year’s winning entries)
Further Information
Explore some of our pupils’ creations by visiting in our PUPILS WORK GALLERY.
There are a wide range of specialist books available to support your area of study in each classroom. The school library has a large selection of books linked to the areas of study at both KS3 and KS4/5.
The department encourages independent thinking skills and personal creative responses and will always endeavour to support students in all of their creative pursuits in and out of school. There is a Design Survival Kit available for sale in the school shop at a reasonable price to support you through your school years.
The department has access to a wide range of facilities including laptops with Adobe design suite, new digital cameras, a digital laser cutter that can cut or engrave a range of materials such as card, acetate, metal, wood to specific designs to industry standard and a sublimation printer and heat press that can be used to create bespoke designs that can also be printed on to metal and other surfaces. Staff in the department are highly qualified in areas of Fine Art, Graphics and Ceramics bringing a wide range of expertise that helps to develop the design curriculum.
