Prepare for Work - Graphic Design

Prepare for Work - Graphic Design: This one-term non-qualification course is taught alongside the one-year BTEC L3 Certificate in the same class, but is aimed at those who prefer a shorter course, or who want to try out L3 Graphics before committing to the longer qualification course.

You will cover the same material and if you submit the same work and decide to continue on to complete the Certificate, your work can be assessed and accredited towards the Certificate as prior learning.

Please note that if you aim to progress to the BTEC L3 Certificate, it will be required that you work on assignments and tasks for a minimum amount of 8 to 10 hours per week outside the classroom.

The course aims to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to design effective and creative page layout solutions using typography, page layout conventions and design-for-print software applications.

Different topics/units are covered each term, as follows

Unit 1: Visual Recording in Art & Design

Topics covered in the autumn term (Sept � Dec) course include:

This mandatory units explores different ways of recording visual material and organising your research findings. It will help to develop your sketchbook into a vibrant working document which supports, enhances and extends you portfolio.
To quote from the BTEC specification, 'Visual Recording is about developing learners� visual recording skills as an exploratory tool in communicating different ideas. Learning to observe and select visual information from the world around [you] forms a vital part of this unit. Learners will use primary sources to work from direct observation, developing their skill and understanding, to communicate and express creative ideas.'

Unit 2: Type & Letterforms

Topics covered in the spring term (Jan � March) course include:

� Exploration of the historical and contemporary developments of typefaces and letterforms
� Exploration how typefaces and letterforms communicate a message: the power of ty