We follow the AQA specification for Art & Design Graphic Communication. At Hall Cross we can offer a large, well- resourced department, which includes a MAC computer suite, facilities for printing, photoshop and mixed media approaches to the subject. We believe that students are individuals and do not expect all to work in the same way or have the same interests. This course aims to provide you with a broad foundation in Graphics, promoting the individual and creative development of students’ work and establishing confidence with a range of processes including drawing, print-making and mixed media approaches to Graphic Communication. Students who wish to develop illustration, advertising, packaging design and motion graphics will also be well catered for.

AQA Graphic Communication.  It consists of 60% coursework (component 1) and 40% practical exam (component 2 - externally set assignment).  All work completed for this course is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Please refer to our Sixth Form prospectus for entry requirements.

All work is internally assessed and externally moderated. In Year 12 students will complete their portfolio of work which will cover a broad range of advanced techniques and drawing media. Alongside this, pupils will carry out independent research into the work of artists and designers to support and inspire their drawn and practical elements. Students will then begin to develop their own work with guidance from teachers to ensure they achieve the necessary criteria. In Year 13 students undertake a personal investigation. Initially a project title will be selected through discussion with their teachers which will then be investigated and developed by the student.

Visits to exhibitions and galleries, life-drawing and artists in residence will be used to give students the opportunity to broaden their art experience.  This year we visited the East Coast which enabled students to develop their drawing, painting and photography skills in an alternative setting.

We have an excellent track record of students gaining places at prestigious universities and colleges for a wide range of courses including Illustration at Bournemouth, Graphic Design at Northumbria, Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent, Fine Art and Animation at Staffordshire University and Leeds College of Art & Design Foundation Course.