Graphic Communication

National 4/National 5

Course Overview

Graphic communication provides a valuable opportunity for pupils to develop a broad range of communication skills, which can be applied in a range of contexts and also be transferred into other subject areas.

Pupils will work through a variety of tasks in both N4 & N5 which will help them develop the necessary Knowledge and Skills required in the following areas as well as help them to successfully pass the course work assignment.


2D Graphic Communication: Pupils will develop creativity and skills within a 2D graphic communication context.  They initiate, develop and communicate ideas using graphic techniques in straightforward and familiar contexts, as well as in some less familiar or new contexts.  Candidates also develop 2D graphic spatial awareness.


3D and Pictorial Graphic Communication: Pupils will develop creativity and skills within a 3D and pictorial graphic communication context.  They initiate, develop and communicate ideas using graphic techniques in straightforward and familiar contexts, as well as in some less familiar or new contexts.  Candidates also develop 3D graphic spatial awareness.


Pupils will be encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking. They will develop an awareness of graphic communication as an international language. They will find that the skills they acquire by successfully completing this Course will be invaluable for learning, for life and for the world of work.

Faculty Principal Teacher

Mrs E Nicol

Assessment Methods

N4/5 Graphic Communication Assessment


At N4, in addition to this work, pupils will be expected to produce an added value unit in the form of an assignment issued by the SQA. This can only happen once all of the tasks have been completed.


At N5, the assessment comprises two components. Component one is the assignment which is issued by the SQA and centrally marked. Component two is a question paper sat during the exam diet.

This may be subject to change based on SQA guidance for curriculum in the year 2023

Learning and Teaching Approaches

Both courses will be focused around Problem Based Learning and encourage students to work both as part of a group and independently. 

The teacher will drive some of the activities but there will be ample opportunity for pupils to independently apply their own learning. This will include working directly with their peer group.

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