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Home > Courses > A Level Art: Graphic Design
Visual Arts A-Level For 16-19 Year Olds

A Level Art: Graphic Design

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COURSE oVERVIEW

Studying graphic design at Blackpool Sixth will provide students with a diverse range of creative and technical design skills and solutions. This course will give you an understanding of the creative design process in its entirety, enabling you to tackle briefs with confidence and develop the practical skills needed to flourish in today’s design industry.

EXAMINATION BOARD:

AQA

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Standard college entry requirements

If you do not have GCSE Art, it is advisable to have attended taster sessions and open events.

Why study A Level Art: Graphics at Blackpool Sixth?

Graphic design at Blackpool Sixth will enhance your employability skill set and prepare you for university life. You will gain fantastic opportunities to work on live briefs within the North West to extend your portfolio and highlight your talents. Former students have achieved great success as independent freelance artists, designers and photographers.

How will I be taught?

Independently, as a whole class or small groups, pairs. Lots of 1:1 discussions. Past example projects. Sharing of ideas with peers.

Teacher expertise

You are taught by 2 key specialist graphic designers with specialist knowledge in fashion and children’s illustration. The course leader is also an an A level moderator and freelance graphic designer.

What skills will I develop?

  • Time management
  • Deadlines
  • How to develop ideas
  • Composition and balance of design and final outcomes.
  • Group work and presentations
  • Literacy with analysis
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How will I be assessed?

40

%
Practical Exam

    60

    %
    Coursework

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      What will you study and other information about A-Level Art: Graphics

      • First YearPlus buttonMinus button
        • Photography
        • Illustration both digital and hand-rendered
        • Photoshop
        • Mixed media
        • Printmaking
        • Typography
        • Logo design and branding
        • Layout
        • Packaging
        • Online portfolio
        • Live briefs
      • Second YearPlus buttonMinus button

        You will further develop a more personal and controlled portfolio in A2. You have the opportunity to focus more in the area of graphic design in which you feel most confident. You will still have the opportunity to explore materials, but the first year should have given you an insight into where your strengths lie, for example; fashion advertising, music branding, children’s illustration or digital media.

      • SD Memory Card, Sketchbooks, printing £30 approx a year.

      • We are always completing live briefs throughout the year as a rule of thumb and good practice. We have had past visits to New York, Paris, Rome, Venice, Morocco. We also encourage local trips for photography Edinburgh and London.

      • We are thrilled to share that the talented students of Blackpool Sixth Form College recently showcased their incredible digital artwork in a special exhibition at Sainsbury’s Blackpool. This exciting event highlighted the creative talents of our A Level Graphics and Photography students, offering a platform to share their innovative and inspiring work with the wider community. Take a look at the exhibition online here

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      START WITH THE ARTS

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      Where does it lead?

      Past students have successfully progressed onto design-based courses at a variety of universities leading to positions within graphic design companies, magazine design agencies, advertising, architecture, galleries, art education and art therapy.

      Helping you to find your dream career

      Blackpool Sixth is dedicated to helping students achieve their future goals. We offer support to our students to help them find the best path for their chosen career.

      To see how this course links to career pathways and to career academies which you could join, click the links below.

      Related career pathways

      Our Alumni

      Lucinda Campbell


      Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media Teacher of Performing Arts, Dance and Musical Theatre

      Michael Handley

      Assistant Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media
      Teacher of A Level Film Studies and A Level Media Studies

      Olivia Hylins

      Teacher of Performing Arts, Dance and Musical Theatre

      ASH GOODINSON

      Teacher of A Level Music Technology and BTEC Music

      Lewis Williams

      Assistant Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media
      Teacher of BTEC Film and TV Production

      John Stevens

      Teacher of BTEC Music

      Helen Twist

      Teacher of A Level Media Studies and Level 2 Creative Digital Media

      Charlie Moore

      Teacher of BTEC Film and TV Production

      Lisa Carolan

      Teacher of Musical Theatre

      Sarah Mistry

      Teacher of Performing Arts and A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

      Joseph Wylie

      Lead Theatre Technician

      Rob Yeo

      Theatre and Music Technician

      JESSE MOSELEY

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      LUKE MOORE

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      KENZIE NODWELL

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      ELAINE DAVIES

      HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS

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      Upcoming
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      5:30PM-8PM 15 Oct 25
      Open Evening - 15th October

      Come and explore what life at Blackpool Sixth is all about! Meet our teachers and current students, tour our facilities, and discover the wide range of courses and opportunities we offer.

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      All Day 04 Nov 25
      Year 11 - Course Discussion Evening 1

      For applicants from September to November.

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      All Day 02 Dec 25
      Year 11 - Course Discussion Evening 2

      For applicants from November to this point.

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      5:30PM-8PM 22 Jan 26
      Open Evening - 22nd January

      Come and explore what life at Blackpool Sixth is all about! Meet our teachers and current students, tour our facilities, and discover the wide range of courses and opportunities we offer.

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      All Day 11 Feb 26
      Year 11 - Course Discussion Evening 3

      For applicants from January to this point.

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      All Day 21 Mar 26
      Parents' and Carers' Conference

      Join us for our Parents and Carers Conference – a valuable opportunity to explore how we support your young person’s success, both academically and personally, at Blackpool Sixth. More information coming soon…

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      4:30PM-7:30PM 25 Mar 26
      Building Futures Evening

      Join us for the Building Futures Event, a careers fair featuring insightful keynote talks designed to help students explore their next steps after college. This is a great opportunity to gather the latest information, guidance, and resources on progression options including university, apprenticeships and employment.

      🔹 Who can attend? Lower and Upper Sixth Students
      🔹 What to expect? Career insights, expert talks, and valuable networking opportunities

      Don’t miss this chance to plan your future with confidence!

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      4PM-8PM 21 Apr 26
      Year 11 - Course Discussion Evening 4

      No further information available at this time.

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      9:30AM 02 Jul 26
      New Student Day

      Applicants, join us for New Student Day to explore the campus, meet staff and students, and get a feel for life at Blackpool Sixth.

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