National 4/5 Graphic Communication

What skills will students develop?
• Broader and deeper skills in 2D and 3D graphic communication techniques, including the use of equipment, materials and software in familiar and in unfamiliar contexts
• Knowledge and understanding of graphic communication standards, protocols and conventions in unfamiliar contexts
• An understanding of the impact of graphic communication technologies on our environment and society
• An awareness of graphic communication as an international language
• The ability to read, interpret and create graphic communication
• To develop solutions to graphics tasks with some complex features
• Planning, organising, critical thinking, evaluating and decision-making
• Basic knowledge of computer-aided graphics techniques and practice
• Knowledge of colour, illustration and presentation techniques
• Describe, respond to and analyse the work of others
What will students experience throughout the course?
• Active and independent learning through ownership of practical tasks, self and peer evaluations, setting agreed learning intentions and success criteria and using feedback
• A blend of classroom approaches including practical, exploratory and experiential learning; using ICT
• Collaborative learning: learners can work independently and with others on group enterprise tasks
• Space for personalisation and choice is embedded throughout the course
• Applying learning
• Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching and presenting information; evaluating; communicating; discussion.
Assessment
National 4
To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units. These are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards)
Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) could be written evidence, tests, oral evidence, computer-generated class work.
The Added Value Unit (Assignment) will involve learners being given a brief to which they will respond, applying skills and knowledge gained from the Units.
National 5
To gain National 5, learners must pass all Units and the Course Assessment (Assignment and Question Paper). Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards).Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) will demonstrate learners’ responses to graphic communication tasks. This could be written evidence, printed material, CAD drawings, notes, group discussions, presentations, reviews of sketches. A portfolio of evidence may be prepared
The Course Assessment consists of an Assignment (a brief to develop into a final solution, marked internally using SQA guidelines) and a Question Paper (exam marked by the SQA) of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Grades of A to D will be awarded.