Faculty of
Business and Technical Studies
Graphics

Graphics

What is Graphics?

Graphics is a course of study that provides an opportunity for students to gain an understanding of graphical communication across a broad spectrum of applications. The course draws upon the fundamental principles of graphical communication. These principles are developed within a foundation unit and then further applied through contextual units, which typically focus on Production Graphics, Business Graphics and Built Environment. Graphics is a challenging subject that promotes students' personal pride and esteem.

PREREQUISITES

Formal Prerequisites

You should have obtained at least a Sound Level of Achievement in Junior Graphics. AUTO CAD is a mandatory element of Graphics at St Joseph's in Years 9 and 10. This enables students to complete units of work in Years 11 and 12 without further Auto Cad training. You will, therefore, find these units difficult if you are not competent in the use of Auto Cad.

Why study Graphics?

The ability to communicate effectively is an essential requirement in every field of endeavour. Graphics provides the opportunity to express simple and complex information through visual imagery and representations, encouraging clearer and more efficient communication. Individuals are provided with the opportunity to present drawings in an efficient and accurate manner through the use of specialised equipment. Graphics is considered an essential tool for all graphics design fields. The study has developed from technical drawing through art and animation into video and television, which are vital components in many professions and vocations.

Graphics occupations include:

What do students learn?

Students learn about the efficiency and effectiveness of graphical communication and its ever-increasing impact on our technological society. Through the structured medium of visual imagery, students learn the ability to communicate and express information with clarity and precision.

Students are encouraged to be imaginative and creative through problem solving and designing, whether working individually or as part of a team. They develop real-life skills for visualising, investigating, analysing, synthesising and evaluating technical problems, and learn how to manipulate mechanical and computer drafting equipment effectively as a vehicle for conveying the outcomes of their research in a visually appealing form.

 The two areas of study are:

• 3-dimensional viewing systems
• 2-dimensional viewing systems.

Through 3-dimensional viewing systems, students learn to model real-world images with the intent of communicating with consumers and non-technical audiences.

Through 2-dimensional viewing systems, students learn to communicate with professionals and para-professionals trained in interpreting detailed specifications. The development of spatial and conceptual processes through which 2-dimensional drawings are produced and viewed is a critical component of this area of study.

How do students learn?

Students are exposed to a variety of intellectual challenges involving visual stimuli, analysis and problem solving while developing a range of associated practical skills. Students explore graphical communication through studies in real-life contexts developed across the contextual units.

Some learning experiences that students may undertake include:

• hypothesising graphical solutions for solving graphical problems
• formal drafting of solutions to graphical problems
• selecting methods of graphical presentation for particular purposes
• preparing presentational drawings
• communicating solutions to other using graphical techniques.

How are students assessed?

Assessment is an integral part of the Graphics program and is designed to enable students to demonstrate a broad range of achievement. A wide range of assessment techniques/instruments is used, including class work, homework, folios of drawings, tests and assignments.

How can parents help?

Parents can help by:

• providing a supportive environment and encouraging participation in subject activities
• being aware of the school's expectations and assessment program
• discussing their child's progress with the teacher and offering ways to assist both the teacher and child
• helping select ways of approaching an assignment
• attending open days, displays or any other subject-related acitivity.

[VET | Graphics | Manual Arts | Accounting]