Graphic Communication:

The Course is practical, exploratory and experiential in nature. It combines elements of creativity and communicating for visual impact with elements of protocol and an appreciation of the importance of graphic communication standards.

The course develops skills in two main areas, 2D and 3D graphics.  Learners are able to apply these skills to produce graphics that provide relevant visual impact and graphics that transmit information.

 

2D Graphic Communication Unit

This Unit develops the learner’s skills and creativity in producing and interpreting 2D graphics. It will enable the learner to initiate, develop and communicate ideas and solutions using graphic techniques in simple and familiar contexts. Learners will develop skills in both manual and electronic graphic communication techniques. They will acquire knowledge and understanding of terms and techniques in computer aided design (CAD) and desktop publishing (DTP). They will learn how graphic communication technologies impact on our environment and society. This unit also develops transferable skills in creativity and problem solving in a graphic communication context.

 

3D and Pictorial Graphic Communication Unit

This unit develops the learner’s skills and creativity in producing and interpreting pictorial and 3D graphics.  It will enable the learner to initiate, develop and communicate ideas and solutions using graphic techniques in simple and familiar contexts.  This unit also develops transferable creative and problem solving skills in a graphic communication context. Learners will develop skills in both manual and electronic graphic communication techniques. They will acquire knowledge of terms and techniques in computer-aided design. The Unit also develops transferable skills in creativity and problem solving in a graphic communication context.

 

National 5

The National 5 course follows the same unit structure as National 4 but requires the learner tackles more complex types of Technical Graphics and produces illustrations and computer generated graphics work at a higher standard of complexity, subject knowledge and drawing skill than at National 4.

 

Conditions of award

National 4

Pupils following a National 4 course must complete and pass both units at National 4 level to gain an overall pass. There is no written exam at this level.

 

National 5

At National 5, the course assessment has two components, both set by the SQA:

• Component 1: question paper worth 65 marks taken over 1½ hours
• Component 2: a set assignment worth 40 marks taken over 8 hours during class time

 

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across both course assessment components.

In exceptional circumstances a pupil following National 5 may be allowed to complete National 5 units only.

 

 

Practical Woodworking

The Practical Woodworking course provides a broad introduction to practical woodworking. It is workshop-based, combining elements of theory and practical woodworking techniques.  Candidates develop practical psychomotor (manual dexterity and control) skills in a universally popular practical craft. They are introduced to safe working practices and become proactive in matters of health and safety. They learn how to use a range of tools, equipment and materials safely and correctly.  Candidates develop skills in reading drawings and diagrams, measuring and marking out, cutting, shaping and finishing materials. They learn how to work effectively alongside others in a shared workshop environment. Course activities also provide opportunities to build self-confidence and to enhance skills in numeracy, thinking, planning, organising and communicating — these are all valuable skills for learning, for life and for work.

 

Course structure

This course develops skills in three main units.  Each unit provides opportunities for candidates to understand safe working practices, sustainability issues, and good practice in recycling within a workshop environment. Each unit covers a different set of woodworking skills.  All units include skills and associated knowledge in measuring, marking out, cutting and jointing techniques.

 

The units which are common between National 4 and National 5 are:

Flat-frame construction

Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the use of woodworking tools and in making woodworking joints and assemblies commonly used in flat-frame joinery, involving complex features. Candidates develop their ability to read and use drawings and diagrams depicting both familiar and unfamiliar woodwork tasks.

 

Carcase construction

Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the use of woodworking tools and in making woodworking joints and assemblies commonly used in carcase construction, involving complex features. This may include working with manufactured board or with frames and panels. Candidates use working drawings or diagrams in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts that require some interpretation on their part.

 

Machining and finishing

Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding in using machine and power tools. Candidates also develop skills in a variety of woodworking surface preparations and finishing techniques.

 

The differences between National 4 and National 5 level is the candidate’s ability to work accurately, to tolerance dimensions. National 5 also includes more challenging joints and profiling.

 

Conditions of award

Pupils following the National 4 course must complete and pass all three units at National 4 level to gain an overall pass at National 4 Level.  There is no written exam at this level.

Although National 5 pupils will follow a similar structure to National 4 pupils, they are not required to complete or pass units, however they are required to successfully complete an externally set practical assessment to gain a graded award.  There is no written exam at this level.  The assessment includes competing a logbook.

In exceptional circumstances a pupil following National 5 may be allowed to complete National 5 units only.

 

 

Practical Craft Skills (National 3)

The Practical Craft Skills course provides an introduction to correct techniques and practices associated with making items from a range of materials.

The Course comprises of three Units:

Working with Tools (National 3)

In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge of a range of common tools and equipment used in woodworking.  The learner will also develop skills for measuring and marking out and for preliminary cutting and shaping of materials.

 

Working with Materials (National 3)

In this Unit, learners will develop skills in working with different woodworking materials.  This Unit helps learners to develop skills in cutting, shaping, fixing and joining materials, using a variety of appropriate craft techniques.

 

Making an Item (National 3)

In this Unit, learners will develop skills in making an item from wood.  Learners will learn to read and interpret simple working drawings, select and use tools safely, apply appropriate finishing techniques and review their completed item.

On completing the Course, learners will have developed skills in the correct use of tools and equipment and a range of woodworking materials.  Learners will also have gained an appreciation of safe working practices in a workshop environment.

 

Conditions of award

To achieve the National 3 Practical Craft Skills Course, learners must pass all of the required units.  The units are not graded, but are assessed on a pass/fail basis. To pass, learners are required to provide evidence:

• of skills in measuring and marking out of materials,
• preliminary cutting and shaping work,
• in working with wood or metal,
• in fixing and joining materials using a variety of appropriate craft techniques.
• of making an item from wood, metal, or a combination of these materials.
• of skills in preparing surfaces and applying appropriate finishes.