Graphic Communication (National 4)

The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Quali2cations Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org

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parentforumscot For more detailed course information: SQA: Graphic Communication National 4: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47452.html Education Scotland: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nationalqualifications/index.asp Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/CfEFactfileOverview_tcm4-665983.pdf + ADDED VALUE UNIT NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland Summary of Graphic Communication National 4 2 UNITS 2D GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION 3D AND PICTORIAL GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION ADDED VALUE UNIT: GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION ASSIGNMENT WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE? • Active and independent learning through ownership of practical tasks, self and peer evaluations, reflecting on learning, setting targets, evaluating progress, making independent decisions • A blend of classroom approaches including practical, exploratory and experiential learning; using ICT • Collaborative learning: learners can work independently and with others • Space for personalisation and choice is embedded throughout the course • Applying learning • Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching and presenting information; evaluating; communicating. ASSESSMENT • To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units • 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’) could be written evidence, tests, oral evidence, computer-generated class work. A portfolio may be prepared • 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 4 progresses onto National 5 GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES NATIONAL 4 What skills will my child develop? • skills in 2D and 3D graphic communication techniques, including the use of equipment, materials and software, in straightforward and familiar contexts • knowledge and understanding of graphic communication standards, protocols and conventions • develop 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 • design skills and creativity to develop solutions to simple graphics tasks • planning, organising, critical thinking, evaluating and decision-making • basic knowledge of computer-aided graphics techniques and practice • knowledge of colour, illustration and presentation techniques in straightforward and familiar contexts We were given the design brief of developing a logo for our school, capturing the school’s values and its community context. First of all, we invited a parent who is a graphic designer in to our class to explain how she goes about working on a logo for a client. We developed a really clear idea of the process involved and of the importance of the client relationship. The headteacher was our main point of contact for the brief, but we put together a focus group of teachers and pupils to gather their views on the school and the image we would like to portray. We worked in groups to develop different ideas and then tested them on another focus group. We put together elements of three of the designs and now we have a fantastic new school logo.