Graphics

Rationale

Graphics at The John Wallis Church of England Academy gives pupils the opportunity to communicate ideas visually and develop a strong understanding of design for a purpose.

At Key Stage 4, pupils explore how images, typography, colour, layout and composition can be combined to create effective graphic outcomes. They respond to a range of briefs and audiences, developing ideas from initial research and experimentation through to more refined and resolved designs.

The subject encourages pupils to think both creatively and critically. They learn to make deliberate design choices, consider how visual communication influences an audience and refine their work in response to feedback. Digital techniques are used alongside drawing, photography, image-making and other practical processes, allowing pupils to build a varied and personal body of work.

Graphics develops visual awareness, originality and attention to detail, while also introducing pupils to the ways graphic design is used across advertising, branding, publishing, digital media and the wider creative industries.

Aims

Through Graphics, pupils will:

• explore how visual communication can inform, persuade and influence an audience

• develop ideas in response to creative briefs and design problems

• use typography, imagery, colour, composition and layout with increasing confidence

• experiment with a range of digital and practical techniques

• research and respond to the work of designers, artists and other creative practitioners

• record and develop ideas through drawing, photography and visual experimentation

• make purposeful design decisions for different audiences and contexts

• refine and improve work through review, feedback and further development

• produce increasingly accomplished and resolved graphic outcomes

• develop confidence using relevant digital design tools and processes

• build creativity, independence and attention to detail

• understand the range of pathways available within graphic design, media and the wider creative industries.