Tarbert Academy

Graphic Communication National 4 and 5

Mandatory Units – National 4 only or as part of a National 5 “Units Only “course

 

2D Graphic Communication (National 4/5)
 

3D and Pictorial Graphic Communication (National 4/5)

 

Course structure

2D Graphic Communication (National 4)

This Unit helps learners develop their creativity and skills within a 2D graphic communication context. It will allow learners to initiate, develop and communicate ideas using graphic techniques in straightforward and familiar contexts. They will develop 2D spatial awareness.

 

3D and Pictorial Graphic Communication (National 4)

This Unit helps learners develop their creativity and skills within a 3D and pictorial graphic communication context. Again, it will allow learners to initiate, develop and communicate ideas using graphic techniques in straightforward and familiar contexts. They will develop 3D spatial awareness.

 

The National 5 course follows the same unit structure as the National 4 course but requires students to tackle more complex types of Technical Graphics and Illustration work.  Pupils are required to produce computer generated graphics and illustrations to a higher standard of complexity through demonstrating draftmanship and subject knowledge higher than the National 4 standard.

 

Conditions of award

Pupils following a National 4 course must complete and pass both of the above units at National 4 level as well as successfully completing the Added Value Unit, to gain an overall pass at National 4 Level.

National 5 pupils are not required to complete or pass units, however they are required to successfully complete an externally set timed assessment and a formal written examination in order to gain an overall graded award.

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

 

 

Graphic Communication Higher

Course code: C835 76

SCQF: level 6 (24 SCQF credit points)

 

Course Outline

This course develops skills in two main areas:

  • 2D graphic communication
  • 3D and pictorial graphic communication

 

Candidates apply these skills to produce graphics with visual impact that communicate information effectively.

 

2D graphic communication

Candidates develop creativity and presentation skills within a 2D graphic communication context. They initiate, plan, develop and communicate ideas graphically, using 2D graphic techniques. Candidates develop skills and attributes including spatial awareness, visual literacy, and the ability to interpret given drawings, diagrams and other graphics. They evaluate the effectiveness of their own and given graphic communications to meet their purpose.

 

3D and pictorial graphic communication

Candidates develop creativity and presentation skills within a 3D and pictorial graphic communication context. They initiate, plan, develop and communicate ideas graphically, using 3D and pictorial graphic techniques. Candidates develop a number of skills and attributes including spatial awareness, visual literacy, and the ability to interpret given drawings, diagrams and other graphics. They evaluate the effectiveness of their own and given graphic communications to meet their purpose.

 

Recommended Entry

Entry to this Course is at the discretion of the department.  However, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one of more of the following or by equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

  • National 5 Graphic Communication Course, Grade C or above

 

Progression

This Course or its Units may provide progression to:

  • Other SQA qualifications in Graphic Communication or related areas
  • Further study, employment and/or training

 

Course Assessment

This course is assessed by two, externally set papers. One is a timed, 8 hour, practical graphic assignment which is conducted under exam conditions, in school, and is marked externally by the SQA.  The assignment contributes 36% of the final grade. The second is a formal written exam set by the SQA worth 64% of the final grade.

In the Higher Communication Course, added value focuses on:

  • breadth
  • challenge
  • application

 

The learner will draw on, extend and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding they have developed during the Course.

The Graphic Communication assignment adds value by introducing challenge and application.  Learners will draw on their range of skills, knowledge and understanding from the class work in order to produce an effective overall response to the assignment brief.

The formal exam paper introduces breadth to the assessment.  It requires depth of understanding and application of knowledge from across all of the classroom learning.

 

 

Graphic Communication Advanced Higher

Course code: C835 77

SCQF: level 7 (32 SCQF credit points)

 

Course Outline

The course develops your skills in communicating using graphic media, and in interpreting, understanding and critically evaluating graphic media created by others.

The course enables you to:

  • investigate, research and evaluate the commercial contexts of graphic communication.
  • understand the impact of advanced graphic communication technologies and activities on our environment and society.
  • apply graphic communication design principles and techniques in various commercial contexts.
  • use software applications to produce creative, meaningful and effective graphic items and solutions to contextualised problems and challenges.
  • creatively apply graphic presentation work and animation techniques in commercial activities.

 

The course has two areas of study — technical graphics, and commercial and visual media graphics:

Technical graphics

You will develop creativity and evaluation skills in technical graphics through manual and electronic-based communication activities.  You will explore the purpose, application and audience requirements of technical graphics and apply graphic communication skills, knowledge and understanding to plan, produce and evaluate technical graphic techniques and technologies. You will also explore the use of detailed 2D and 3D graphics in modelling, graphic visualisation and technical/mechanical animation.

 

Commercial and visual media graphics

You will develop skills and techniques to create effective commercial and visual media graphic communications and explore their application in publishing and promotion.  Graphic design work is iterative.  You will review, evaluate, amend and present your work, and develop a deep understanding of the needs of the intended audience.

 

Recommended Entry

Entry to this course is at the discretion of the school.

You should have achieved an A or B pass in Higher Graphic Communication and/or have experience prior to starting this course.

 

Progression

  • a range of graphic-related Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
  • degrees in graphic design and related disciplines
  • careers in graphic design, engineering, architecture, digital media, creative arts, interior design, marketing, landscape architecture and design
  • further study, employment and/or training

 

Course Assessment

The course assessment has two components:

Component 1 is question paper, worth 90 marks (50%) taken over 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Component 2 is a project worth 90 marks (50%).  There is no set time limit.  It is based on a meaningful and appropriately challenging task and requires you to develop a solution to an appropriately complex graphic communication task of your choosing.  You will gain marks across seven areas covering both technical graphics, and commercial and visual media graphics.  The seven areas are:

  • analysis
  • research
  • planning
  • evaluation
  • preliminary graphics
  • production graphics
  • promotional graphics