Introduction:
In this course, and its units, there will be an emphasis on skills development and the application of those skills. Assessment approaches will be proportionate and fit for purpose and will promote best practice, enabling learners to achieve the highest standards they can.

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 straightforward and familiar contexts. In addition, the unit allows learners to develop their skills in some less familiar or new contexts. Learners will develop 2D graphic spatial awareness.

Unit 2- 3D and Pictorial Graphic Communication
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. In addition, the unit allows learners to develop their skills in some less familiar or new contexts. Learners 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.

To achieve the National 5 Graphic Communication award, learners must pass all of the required units. Each of the units of the course is designed to provide progression to the Higher Graphic Communication course (National Level 6).

Course Assessment:
This course will be assessed through a combination of a question paper and an assignment.

1. Question Paper
The question paper will have a total of 80 marks. Learners will complete it in 2 hours.

2. Assignment
The assignment will have 40 marks and is timed over 8 hours.
In the assignment, marks will be awarded for:

• Preliminary graphics
• Production graphics
• Promotional graphics

Learners’ evidence should include a set of preliminary, production and promotional graphics relating to the brief, and evidence of planning and evaluation.

Course Progression:
This Course or its units may provide progression to:
Higher Graphic Communication (National Level 6)
Advanced Higher Graphic Communication (National Level 7)

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 and Teaching.