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07/02/25

It's NSPCC Number Day today, and it's their 25th anniversary, too! So, what year did they start? 2000? or 2001?#wearevalleypark#numbersday pic.twitter.com/PgJeMz1LSv— Valley Park School () February 7, 2025

07/02/25

House Points update...#wearevalleypark#ambition pic.twitter.com/3POIt4GJRx— Valley Park School () February 7, 2025

05/02/25

It's Year 9 Options Evening tomorrow (Thursday 6 Feb). The schedule for arrival is included in the accompanying picture. #optionsevening pic.twitter.com/rVhqp6VoJs— Valley Park School () February 5, 2025

04/02/25

Tired of dull weekends? Want to try something exciting and meet a whole new group of people? Why not try a taster session at Leeds and Kingswood Explorers? pic.twitter.com/sS0TaJLly7— Valley Park School () February 4, 2025

03/02/25

The week ahead: It's Children’s Mental Health Week. On Tues, Year 9 & 11 have immunisations; Year 7 visits Herstmonceux Observatory. On Wed, there's a trip to the Marlowe Theatre for Dear Evan Hanson. Thurs is Year 9 Options Evening (5.30pm - 8pm) pic.twitter.com/4NYIIvNRSH— Valley Park School () February 3, 2025

03/02/25

Our second hand uniform shop (SHUSH) will be open for business on Year 9 Options Evening, which takes place on Thursday 6 February at 5.30pm to 8pm. pic.twitter.com/f9Y1f1A7MQ— Valley Park School () February 3, 2025

02/02/25

Candlemas is a Christian festival that commemorates a young Jesus being presented at the temple for the first time. It was also the day when the year’s supply of candles was brought to the church to be blessed.#religiousfestivalscalendar pic.twitter.com/bqdfhz5q7k— Valley Park School () February 2, 2025

01/02/25

Imbolc, (immolk), is a pagan celebration symbolizing the transition from winter to spring, marking increased daylight. It honors Brigid, the goddess of inspiration, creativity, healing, and poetry. Historically, it was a time to reaffirm life and prepare for the harvest. pic.twitter.com/BG1gEfnZtF— Valley Park School () February 1, 2025

31/01/25

House Points update...#wearevalleypark#ambition pic.twitter.com/0qseq5RLNA— Valley Park School () January 31, 2025

31/01/25

We need good condition donations for our Second Hand Uniform Shop! For more information, please visit the Uniform page on our website.#wearevalleypark#SHUSH pic.twitter.com/3lZgJryXoE— Valley Park School () January 31, 2025

31/01/25

We have some more Sixth Form Open Morning Tours coming up on Wednesday February 12 and Friday February 14 at 8.45am. Visit our website to book a place: https://t.co/58lYerhh35 pic.twitter.com/I2SAloIU6n— Valley Park School () January 31, 2025

30/01/25

A gentle reminder to those of you who have received an invitation to Year 9 Options Evening, but who have not yet responded. Please could you complete the online form to confirm or decline your attendance? https://t.co/l6uCwAkTKh pic.twitter.com/XMo4RuuuKr— Valley Park School () January 30, 2025

30/01/25

A free Well-Being conference, run by , is taking place at Valley Park School on Thursday 13 February 2025 between 2pm and 6pm. Book your tickets at https://t.co/aynD862pZq pic.twitter.com/UTFe8geS92— Valley Park School () January 30, 2025

29/01/25

pic.twitter.com/CH3QpW1L5a— Valley Park School () January 29, 2025

29/01/25

This celebration of the new year on the lunisolar Calendar is one of the most important holidays in many cultures. It is a largely secular holiday but includes cultural rituals that derive from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, as well as from ancient myths and folk traditions. pic.twitter.com/4uYPjiwOAI— Valley Park School () January 29, 2025

28/01/25

pic.twitter.com/l6hjeCu1Mn— Valley Park School () January 28, 2025

27/01/25

pic.twitter.com/E2xbvQZ5vH— Valley Park School () January 27, 2025

26/01/25

There are many reasons why a student might struggle with attendance at school. Valley Park has a dedicated team to help & support you. To speak to someone, contact us by phone or email & a member of the attendance team will get back to you. pic.twitter.com/8RDVQlqCNR— Valley Park School () January 26, 2025

24/01/25

Mrs Austin took her year 12 Performing Arts students on a trip to university and they took part in a workshop leading to a performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Students had the best day! https://t.co/wLtGt8JDh6 pic.twitter.com/fPRvBmYhBt— Valley Park School () January 24, 2025

24/01/25

The Immunisation Service will visit the school soon for TdIPV and MenACWY vaccinations for Year 9, with catch-up for Years 10 & 11. Consent or decline by the deadline via https://t.co/547b1JMlbN or call 0300 123 5205 with questions. pic.twitter.com/5xD6amRBBG— Valley Park School () January 24, 2025

20/01/25

Art scholars enjoyed a workshop with a Chinese New Year theme on Friday. These pieces will be displayed at the newly adopted Maidstone East railway station, highlighting our students' talent to the community! pic.twitter.com/rK4qth0aMN— Valley Park School () January 20, 2025

20/01/25

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE for the Valley Park Music Showcase, featuring Sixth Form musicians. Year 13 students are performing for their exam "Rehearsal Skills and Live Performance" and would be delighted if you attended to support them. pic.twitter.com/xNGd0cf9aV— Valley Park School () January 20, 2025

20/01/25

Keira & Max placed third among 900 entries in a national STEM competition after winning the regional heat. Their determination and teamwork made them excellent ambassadors for Valley Park School, showcasing ambition, respect, and kindness. https://t.co/4BlVDFIa3T pic.twitter.com/KOce2aXQmc— Valley Park School () January 20, 2025

19/01/25

If a student’s attendance at the end of Term 2 was below 90% this means that they have missed at least 6 days or 30 hours of learning across the school year.#everylessoncounts pic.twitter.com/uCcogI9UyY— Valley Park School () January 19, 2025

16/01/25

Tickets will soon be available for the Valley Park Music Showcase, featuring Sixth Form musicians. Year 13 students are performing for their exam "Rehearsal Skills and Live Performance" and would be delighted if you attended to support them. pic.twitter.com/ABrwAKlC3P— Valley Park School () January 16, 2025

Graphic Communication

Graphic Communication conveys information and ideas through the organisation of images and words. You will explore and understand user and audience needs and how these groups respond to various forms of visual communication, as well as how changes to working practices lead to new forms of communication and presentation. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • GCSE Graphics: Grade 5
  • BTEC First Diploma: Merit
  • Portfolio

RECOMMENDED SUBJECT COMBINATIONS

Art, Craft & Design

History

Photography

Performing Arts

WHAT TO EXPECT

A-level Graphic Communication is an exciting and rewarding experience. Students will develop proficiency in various graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Practical skills will be developed by learning traditional techniques such as sketching, Typography and layout design. Design principles will be covered where you will understand fundamental concepts such as colour theory composition and visual hierarchy.

UNITS STUDIED

  • Component 1: Personal Investigation
  • Component 2: Externally Set Task

Specification

HOW IT IS ASSESSED

  • Component 1: A Portfolio of work which equates to 60% of the final grade.
  • A supporting 1000–3000-word Contextual Essay.
  • Component 2: Externally set exam with a 15-hour Examination at the end of the course in the second year.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

  • Research and investigate
  • Analyse and evaluate work
  • Develop and experiment
  • Refine work as it develops

PROGRESSION

After completing A-level Graphic Communication, there are several exciting pathways you can pursue, whether in further education or directly in the workforce. Here are some of the most common options:

Further Education

  1. University Degrees:
    • Graphic Design: A focused study on visual communication and design principles.
    • Illustration: Specializing in drawing and visual storytelling.
    • Advertising and Marketing: Exploring the intersection of design and promotional strategies.
    • Animation or Motion Graphics: Learning about dynamic visual communication.
  2. Foundation Courses: Art and Design foundation programs can help you develop a strong portfolio and refine your skills before pursuing a degree.
  3. Specialized Training: Short courses in specific software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), branding, or web design can enhance your skill set.

Career Opportunities

  1. Graphic Designer: Working in various industries to create visual content for print, web, and social media.
  2. Illustrator: Producing artwork for books, magazines, and advertising.
  3. Brand Designer: Developing visual identities and branding strategies for companies.
  4. Web Designer: Designing and creating user-friendly websites and digital platforms.
  5. Advertising Specialist: Crafting visuals for marketing campaigns and advertisements.
  6. Motion Graphics Designer: Creating animated graphics for video, television, or online content.
  7. Print Production Specialist: Overseeing the production process for printed materials.

Skills Development

  1. Portfolio Building: Your A-level projects will help you create a diverse portfolio, which is crucial for applying to jobs or further education.
  2. Networking: Connecting with peers and industry professionals can open doors to internships and job opportunities.
  3. Freelancing: Many graphic communication graduates start freelancing, offering their services to clients while building experience.

Industry Experience

Internships and Work Placements: Gaining real-world experience through internships can provide valuable insights and enhance your employability.

Overall, A-level Graphic Communication offers a strong foundation for various paths, whether you choose to continue your education or dive directly into the creative industry. The skills you acquire will be valuable in a range of fields, making you adaptable in a dynamic job market.

WHY CHOOSE THIS SUBJECT?

This course will facilitate students to explore their creative approaches through a combination of handmade and digital courses. Students will expand their understanding of Photoshop through experiments and investigations in response to set briefs. This course will build a professional portfolio to support entry to higher level art courses and apprenticeships.