Course Aims:

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:

• develop skills in graphic communication techniques, including the use of equipment, materials and software
• extend and apply knowledge and understanding of graphic communication standards, protocols and conventions, where these apply
• develop an understanding of the impact of graphic communication technologies on our environment and society

 

Course Structure:

The Course consists of three mandatory units:

Unit 1 – 2D Graphic Communication

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 familiar contexts. Learners develop 2D graphic spatial awareness.

Unit 2 – 3D and Pictorial Graphic Communication

This unit develops learner’s 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 using familiar techniques. They will develop 3D graphic spatial awareness.

In unit 1 and unit 2, learners will develop an understanding of how graphic communication technologies impact on our environment and society.

Unit 3 – Added Value Unit: Graphic Communication Assignment

Learners will be able to extend and apply their knowledge and skills through the assignment. They will draw on their range of graphic communication experiences from the units in order to produce an effective overall response to the assignment.  The assignment brief will be sufficiently open and flexible to allow for personalisation and choice.

To achieve the National 4 Graphic Communication Course, learners must pass all of the required units, including the Added Value Unit. Each of the units of the course is designed to provide progression to the corresponding units at National 5 Graphic Communication Course.

 

Course Assessment:

To achieve the National 4 Graphic Communication award, learners must pass all of the required units.  They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis within centres.  Each of the units of the course is designed to provide progression to the National Level 5 Graphic Communication course.

Unit 1 – 2D Graphic Communication

For this unit, evidence will be required that the learner can produce a variety of simple 2D graphics, to a given standard, in familiar contexts.

Unit 2 – 3D and Pictorial Graphic Communication

For this unit, evidence will be required that the learner can produce a variety of simple 3D and pictorial graphics, to a given standard, in familiar contexts.

Unit 3 – Added Value Unit: Graphic Communication Assignment

This will be assessed through an assignment requiring application of skills and knowledge from the units to produce an effective overall response to the brief.

Course Progression:

This Course or its units may provide progression to:

• National 5 Graphic Communication
• Higher Graphic Communication
• Advanced Higher Graphic Communication

 

Career routes for students:

Graphic Communication is the language used to convey information in manufacturing industries such as:

• Civil Engineering
• Construction
• Product Design
• Graphic Design
• Architecture
• Teaching