• Manual/Computer Graphics to meet the needs of Reporting and Assessment at 5 - 14 (S1 / S2).

• Technological Studies is no longer presented within the department at Standard Grade, this has enabled the development of this unit of work as an alternative to Computer Control.

• Formative drawing and sketching skills are enhanced through the use of Computer Graphic packages and Desk Top Publishing in the visual presentation of a mobile phone project.

• This allows all S1 / S2 pupils an opportunity to experience the relative skills and experiences required for Standard Grade Graphic Communication to very high standards.

• Exhibitions of pupils achievement and work at parents evenings raise the awareness of both prospective candidates to the subject, and parents who have occasion to visit the school.

• There was an obvious requirement to tailor our existing S1 / S2 Graphics course to meet the needs of 5-14 Reporting& Assessment.

• Many pupils slipped through the net at subject choice assuming that Graphic Communication was the same as Craft & Design, which indeed it is not!

• A more realistic experience of Graphic Communication to clarify any indecision by pupils and parents regards subject choice.

• S1/S2 classes are becoming much more aware and better informed about progression in the subject from Standard Grade through to Higher Still and beyond.

• S1/S2 pupils have the opportunity to develop and enhance their computer skills in the creative environment of Graphic Communication.

• S1/S2 pupils are developing the computing and presentation skills that are fully transferable across the school curriculum skills to enhance their work in other subject areas.

• Pupils learn to manage and organise their work within the confines of the department and the resources available (10 computers to twenty pupils on average) during the working day/lunchtimes and or evenings.

• 100% S.Q.A pass rate at Standard Grade, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher within Graphic Communication (no Foundation Grades at Standard Grade).

• Pupil achievement in National Computer Graphic Competitions (T.T.A. Scotland) over last 9 years, successive winners in numerous Computer Graphics and Computer Aided Drawing categories.

• Personal Development

• Good and efficient management of resources. i.e. (20 pupils on average to 10 computers)

• Split working groups (2) . One group engaged on computers whilst the other is doing preparatory work in relation to this task with specific time deadlines for group switchover.

• Support for pupils with specific needs through L.S.S. or Peer Support Strategies.

• Pupils with poor handwriting /presentation skills can easily gain the confidence and belief in their own abilities required in overcoming their anxiety with small but significant progress in the computer graphics initial tasks. They are then encouraged to overcome these hurdles and to make better use of I.C.T. to constructively overcome their areas of weakness and enhance their work tasks in many subject areas. This is often the reverse for more experienced computer literate pupils who are showing reluctance to express their creativity by manual methods without the `techno phobia` of today's modern classrooms!

• Supervised computer facilities are made available to pupils throughout lunchtimes and after school so that less fortunate pupils who do not have this resource at home are not disadvantaged in expanding their skills.

Internet Searches:

Japanese Calligraphy
Egyptian Hieroglyphic clipart /images
Scottish / Celtic clipart / images

Specific Sites of interest: