Art and Design (Graphic Communication)

Graphic Communication in WJEC A-Level Art and Design focuses on the creation of visual messages through the integration of typography, imagery, and layout. This area of study explores how graphic design communicates ideas, emotions, and information to specific audiences across various media, including print, digital, and environmental design. Students develop a deep understanding of design principles such as balance, contrast, hierarchy, and unity, while also mastering industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The course encourages experimentation with both traditional and digital techniques, from hand-drawn sketches and printmaking to vector graphics and motion design, enabling students to build a versatile portfolio that demonstrates creative problem-solving and technical proficiency.

Graphic Communication is central to contemporary visual culture, influencing everything from advertising and branding to user interface design and publication layout. By studying this topic, students learn to analyse the work of influential designers and movements, such as the Bauhaus, Swiss Style, and postmodernism, and apply these insights to their own projects. The WJEC specification emphasises the importance of context, audience, and purpose, requiring students to justify their design decisions through written annotation and critical evaluation. This holistic approach not only prepares students for further study in graphic design, illustration, or digital media but also equips them with transferable skills in visual literacy, communication, and project management that are highly valued in creative industries.

Within the A-Level course, Graphic Communication is typically explored through a series of thematic projects that build in complexity, culminating in a personal investigation and an externally set assignment. Students are expected to document their creative journey in a sketchbook or digital portfolio, showing evidence of research, experimentation, idea development, and refinement. Assessment criteria focus on four key areas: contextual understanding, creative process, technical skills, and final outcomes. Success in this subject requires a willingness to take risks, reflect on feedback, and push beyond initial ideas to produce original, well-crafted designs that effectively communicate a message.