Purpose and Aims of the Course
The Course provides opportunities for learners to initiate and develop their own ideas graphically. It allows them to develop skills in reading and interpreting graphics produced by others. Learners will continue to develop graphic awareness in often complex graphic situations thus expanding their visual literacy.
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, where these are appropriate.
The Course allows learners to engage with technologies. It allows learners to consider the impact that graphic communication technologies have on our environment and society.
The aims of the Course are to enable learners to develop:
- skills in graphic communication techniques, including the use of equipment, graphics materials and software
- creativity in the production of graphic communications to produce visual impact in meeting a specified purpose
- skills in evaluating the effectiveness of graphics in communicating and meeting their purpose
- an understanding of graphic communication standards protocols and conventions, where these apply
- an understanding of the impact of graphic communication technologies on our environment and society
The emphasis throughout the course is on pupil centred learning. We try, as a department to use many and varied strategies to enhance pupil learning including various innovative group centred challenges where pupils learn transferable thinking skills which are then applied across the course. Allied to this is the use of modern industry standard software to build 3D models which allow pupils to both construct and visualise various components. Class demonstrations are regularly carried out with live video linking to a large screen, a system which allows hard copies of various techniques to be saved and distributed as learning aids, in addition to the inherent classroom management benefits of this technique. At all stages pupils views are sought and acted upon in relation to the effectiveness of teaching and learning as the department continually strives to become a leader in the field of Design & Technology education.
The emphasis throughout the course is on pupil centred learning. We try, as a department to use many and varied strategies to enhance pupil learning including various innovative group centred challenges where pupils learn transferable thinking skills which are then applied across the course. Allied to this is the use of modern industry standard software to build 3D models which allow pupils to both construct and visualise various components. Class demonstrations are regularly carried out with live video linking to a large screen, a system which allows hard copies of various techniques to be saved and distributed as learning aids, in addition to the inherent classroom management benefits of this technique. At all stages pupils views are sought and acted upon in relation to the effectiveness of teaching and learning as the department continually strives to become a leader in the field of Design & Technology education.
N5
Homework will be set regularly, reinforcing the theoretical content of the course, and is essential to the success of the pupil. In addition to this, each pupil will be expected to allocate extra time to the graphic design aspects of the course.
Higher
Homework will be set regularly, reinforcing the theoretical content of the course, and is essential to the success of the pupil. In addition to this, each pupil will be expected to allocate extra time to the technical drawing aspects of the course, especially where they have never undertaken N5 Graphics, as the Graphic Design elements rely strongly on the techniques learned during the N5 Course.
- Digital literacy -3D modelling, Photo Editing & Desk Top Publishing techniques.
- Manual and Computer aided visual presentation & communication techniques used in industry.
- Creating, assembling and digitally rendering parts.
- Using graphic design principles and elements.
- Applying British Standards and conventions.
- Planning, researching and evaluating.
‘Graphics helps you expand your computer art skills and lets you complete some great projects.’
Sean Browne 6St
Is graphic communication for me?
You will enjoy this subject if:
- You want to develop your ability to communicate visually for technical, information or promotional purposes.
- You like working with computers, sketching & drawing.
- You are interested in learning about the use of graphics for manufacture, engineering, multi media, promotion, design or communication.
- You like producing/designing graphic layouts using serif software.
- You are interested in developing skills in 2D and 3D CAD.
Influential Graphic Designers
- Kerr Vernon – Multi-award winning graphic designer and founder of Cause & Effect. He’s worked with some of the world’s leading brands including: Google, Spotify, RBS and Glenmorangie.
- Paula Scher – Graphic Designer with Pentagram. In her near-50-year career, Scher has designed for some of the world’s most recognisable brands. From Microsoft, Bloomberg, Citibank and Tiffany & Co., to vast sections of New York City’s cultural landscape including: the New York Philharmonic, the New York Botanical Garden, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Museum of Modern Art and the New York City Ballet.