Ashbourne’s A level Graphic Communication students explore how to express ideas and communicate powerful and persuasive messages visually through a combination of traditional art and cutting-edge technology to produce sophisticated and innovative work.
Ashbourne students have the choice to experience a wide variety of art and design activities, such as drawing, life drawing, silk screen printing, sculpture, digital design and graphics, photography, fabrics and textiles. This allows them to make an informed decision, based on their interests, aptitude and skill, on which subjects to specialise in. They are also offered plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents and artwork both at Ashbourne and further afield, as part of their professional development.
Book covers, magazine spreads, advertising, brand logos, product packaging, animation, websites, film and television all rely on graphic communication to express ideas and communicate powerful and persuasive messages or information visually, using a combination of image, typography and layout. Ashbourne students will also analyse how to target the right audience to whom the messages and ideas are directed so they can choose the appropriate approach, style or medium in order to maximise their impact.
With the explosion of digital media and the growing demand for designers and illustrators in this sector, as well as the wider commercial world, learning Graphic Communication is a key asset.
The Art Faculty offers expert guidance and comprehensive support for students applying for art degree courses at university. Students take part in group critiques to analyse and develop their work, join portfolio preparation workshops and receive one-to-one support during the application process.
Graphics students hoping to go on to further education have an excellent choice of university courses. Many of our students get places at prestigeus art colleges including the London College of Communication, St. Martins, Chelsea and Camberwell, Slade (UCL), Ravensbourne, Westminster, Kingston and Brunel.
Graphic Communication students have an excellent range of career pathways, particularly in the digital arena where the demand for new media software and graphic designers, illustrators, multimedia artists, online publishers, and video, animation and gaming artists is growing at an unprecedented rate.
Ashbourne’s Creative Arts Evening allows current and former students the chance to share their art, music, poetry and fashion at a nearby venue. Students and staff from across the college also take part in the very popular annual Ashbourne Revue to show off their skills and talents in art, fashion, music, dance and drama.
Every year Ashbourne students have the chance to visit a major European city, such as Rome, Athens, Madrid, Florence and Barcelona, during the Spring half term. The trip is an extremely popular cultural experience that takes in many of the cities’ fine art and design galleries. It is a fantastic opportunity for A level Graphic Communication students. It is also a real highlight of many students’ time at Ashbourne.