S3 Graphic Communication

Course Overview

In Third year pupils visit our subject two times a week, they will visit four times a week in S4. As learners reach the end of the BGE phase and prepare for the Senior Phase our S3 course is designed to promote further progression into National Qualifications. Pupils can choose from the following courses:

Design & Manufacture (BGE with a Design and Manufacture focus) The learners will be working on the level 4 experiences and outcomes in preparation for the National Qualification in S4. They will be building their skills, knowledge and practical techniques. Please see the S3 Design and Manufacture page for more information on this subject.

Graphic Communication (BGE with a Graphic Communication focus) The learners will be working on the level 4 experiences and outcomes in preparation for the National Qualification in S4. They will be developing subject knowledge as well as a wide range of manual drawing skills and CAD/CAG techniques. They will also be looking at analysing and creating promotional work such as advertising through items such as leaflets and magazine articles.

Graphic communication will help you develop both your creative and technical skills. Our course is constantly evolving to keep up with technological developments in the world. In recent years our course has moved from the desks and drawing boards to focus more on 3D modelling and Graphic Design on the computers.

The skills learned in this course are ideal when working with new technologies such as 3D printers and Laser cutters. We hope to be adding these machines to our department in the near future.

The nature of the course allows all learners to follow their strengths but also provide challenge through increased creativity and challenging design briefs.

Graphic Communication is an important tool used widely in the construction, engineering and consumer industries. Career pathways from Graphic Communication include Graphic Design, Architecture, Advertising, Animation, Multimedia Design, Computer Game Development, Engineering and Publishing to name a few.

Manual Drawing unit

The learner will build their knowledge to understand the variety of drawing types used in Graphic Communication. They will learn how to create and analyse each drawing style and where they are used. They will be learning about Freehand Sketching, Technical drawings and rendering.

Computer Aided Drawing (CAD), Computer Aided Graphics (CAG)

The learner will use 3D modelling software to design and create detailed models of everyday items. They will learn about the advantages of CAD/CAG in the design and creation of products.

Desktop Publishing

The learner will create promotional work for items they have created in class and other products. They will learn about publication layout, looking at everything from colour theory to font choice.

Methodology

The course is split into theme based units that introduce the practical skills within the set task. The task will often then extend to suit the learner’s ability through differentiation of work set. There is space for personalisation and choice within the course and I am always impressed by the items that the learners create.

Assessment

Ongoing formative assessment is used throughout the course. More formal learner conversations will happen at key points during the S3 course. This gives the learner the opportunity to discuss with staff what their strengths and weaknesses are within the course. This allows them to formulate an action plan to move forward within the subject working to the best of their abilities.

Based on performance and achievement of levels pupils will go on to sit either National 4 or National 5 Qualifications in S4.

Recording & Reporting

A continuous process of discussion of both practical and written work is an essential part of the learning and teaching process. All learners in Graphic Communication carry out a learner’s conversation at appropriate times of year. This is an opportunity for learners to discuss with staff what their strengths and weaknesses are within the course. Reporting to parents is in line with the school calendar of tracking, reporting and parent evenings.

Miss Payne
Mr Herbison

Miss Payne

The Graphic Communication course introduces a range of new drawing types and skills. The Students will be taught them in class but will need to spend time out of class practicing them to truly learn the practical skills required.
As home study the students will be asked to do a freehand sketched version of the drawings they are learning in class on the drawingboards or computers (Computer Aided Design).
Other home study tasks will be graphic design based where they will be working through tasks such as logo designs and other promotional tasks.
To keep the tasks in order we ask that sketching tasks are done at the FRONT of the book and design tasks are done at the BACK of the book.
They will be asked to refer to the worksheets on Microsoft Teams for relevant information (unless they have asked for a paper copy). *Please see bottom of the page for information*
They should always have a week to complete the task, each task taking no more than 30minutes
They have been supplied with a sketchbook, A3 folder and a 2H pencil for fine, light sketching lines. For best results I would suggest that the student have:
● An eraser
● A ruler
● Coloured pencils

Microsoft Teams

You will find digital versions of a lot of the resources used in the course on Microsoft teams. To cut down on paper use we would like to use digital textbooks where we can, we understand that this is not always possible but would like to cut down on paper where we can.

*Please ask for paper copies of resources if required.*