Higher Graphic Communication

"Graphic Communication is a universal language which permits such an expression and free transfer of ideas and information"

Aims of the course

The course provides opportunities for candidates to initiate and develop their own ideas graphically. It allows them to develop skills in reading and interpreting graphics produced by others. Candidates continue to develop graphic awareness, often in complex graphic situations, expanding their visual literacy. The course is practical, exploratory and experiential in nature. It combines elements of creativity and communicating for visual impact with elements of protocol and an appreciation of the importance of graphic communication standards.

Candidates develop:

skills in graphic communication techniques, including the use of equipment, graphic materials and software
creativity in the production of graphic communications to produce visual impact in meeting a specified purpose
skills in evaluating the effectiveness of graphics in communicating and meeting their purpose
an understanding of graphic communication standards, protocols and conventions, where these apply
an understanding of the impact of graphic communication technologies on our environment and society

Topics

• Orthographic Projection

• Sectional Views

• Enlarged Views

• Assemblies

• Exploded Views

• Ellipses

• Tangency

• Interpenetration

• Intersections

• Surface Developments

• Auxiliary Views

• Tolerances

• Building Drawings

• Pictorial Sketching

• Manual Rendering

• 3D CAD Modelling

• CAD drawing techniques

• 3D CAD Assemblies

• Computer Rendering

• Types of Promotional Graphjcs

• Colour Theory

• Image Types

• DTP Elements and Principles

• DTP Layouts

• Practice Assignment

Assessment

There will be four main task units in class which meet the Higher outcomes, amongst smaller sub-projects, including a practice assignment. The four main tasks are to be completed in order to be recommended to sit the final assignment and question paper.

90 marks (64%) are assigned to the question paper, which is 2 hours and 30 minutes long.

50 marks (36%) are assigned to the closed book assignment, which is undertaken over a set duration and is marked externally by the SQA.

For more information on course assessment, including past question papers and assignment examples, click here

Course outline added here

Straw and Cup Dispenser

Students model a straw and cup dispenser and produce production drawings with the use of surface development and interpenetration.

Toothpaste Packaging

Using a promotional graphics and technical graphics approach, students model a toothpaste tube and make packaging suitable for parents of young children. A modelling plan is also created, along with preliminary sketches of orthographics and thumbnail sketches.

Mechanical Toy

Cams and followers are used to convert rotary motion into linear, in this technical graphics project. Students learn the use of constraints as well as exploded views, assembly drawings and components to British Standards.

Speaker

Students render their 3D models with consideration of perspective, texture, light sources.

Shampoo Bottle

Complex 3D modelling features such as helix are used for components requiring threads.

Homework

Homework will be related to the topic of work that they are undertaking at the time and will also act as useful revision for the final exam.

Revision Textbook

Leckie & Leckie - Higher Graphic Communication Course Notes

The Ultimate Graphic Communication Glossary

Useful Web Links

https://www.designclass.co.uk/

Progression from this course - where next?

•Advanced Higher Graphic Communication Course

•other technological subjects at Higher

•employment, apprenticeships and/or training in graphic communication related fields

•University/college course

Career Pathways

Advertising, Animation, Architecture, Fashion & Textiles, Film, TV & Stage, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Multimedia Design, Packaging, Printing & publishing, Product Design, Video Game Design, Web Design.

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