NCEA L1 Graphics and Design
GRA1 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mr R. Palatchie.
Recommended Prior LearningIt is useful to have taken either Year 9 or Year 10 Graphics. Having said that, if you are a committed learner and have discovered a passion in this area, then this could be the course for you. Graphics is a often described as a subject for people who don't think that they can draw. This is because Graphics is 'ruled' by learning tips and tricks in order to gain the right effects when communicating ideas.
Graphics and Design at Level 1 is really your starting point, building upon the basic skills that you have acquired at years 9 and 10 to enable you to produce the standard of work required for moving forward. A variety of standards are on offer tapping into the skills that you will acquire. Both freehand and CAD work are encouraged. The NZ Curriculum refers to this subject as 'Design and Visual Communication', and this is exactly what it is. You concentrate on designing and developing a product through graphic practice communicating your ideas through different modes and media.
The course and your design portfolio are based around 2 projects for the year. Having gained inspiration from an influential designer from a specific era, of your choice, you will produce a spatial design and a product design. In order to attract potential customers and manufacturers to your prototype, the display area must be suitably eye catching and will also be designed by you.
Course Overview
Term 1
Term 1 is focused on research into the designer from your chosen era and then reflecting on this inspiration by incorporating key aesthetic and functional attributes from the research.
You will need to use a variety of sketching techniques incorporating various modes and media. This can also include modelling, whether virtually (CAD) or otherwise, plus photography.
Rendering techniques will be taught, practiced and applied in this term.
Term 2
Term 2 will focus on graphic practice; that is, the design of your product from start to finish using different sketching and rendering techniques.
Orthographic presentations will be drawn up demonstrating both the construction and the workings of your outcome. You may also use CAD for your orthographic drawings/presentations, and these will be sent away at the end of the academic year to be externally assessed.
Throughout the year, different aspects of your work will be assessed and these assessments will match up with the various achievement standards offered on this course.
Term 3
Term 3 will focus on the design that will set off your prototype to best effect at the exhibition. Again, you will be guided through this process being taught how to improve your sketching and presentation methods.
In addition, if you were to take NCEA Level 1 Materials Technology as well as Graphics Level 1, then you would be able to make your prototype in the Technology Workshop.
Again, you can use a variety of sketching techniques incorporating various modes and media. This can also include modelling, whether virtually (CAD) or otherwise, plus photography.
Term 4
Term 4 consists of revisiting parts of your design portfolio. The best parts of your freehand sketching will be set away for external marking. These need to show how you have managed to communicate your design ideas.
In addition, your orthographic drawings may also be externally assessed.
Year 11 (NCEA Level 1), Technology - Hangarau
Pathway
When you’re a graphic designer, your work will never stop evolving or improving. There will always be new challenges to overcome. New problems to solve. It’s a never-ending whirlwind of discovery and invention.
Career PathwaysAnimator/Digital Artist, Mining Engineer, Advertising Specialist, Copywriter, Sales and Marketing Manager, Patternmaker, Architectural Technician, Artist, Film and Video Editor, Barrister, Tailor/Dressmaker, Cutter, Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Communications Professional, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Industrial Designer, Jeweller, Technical Writer, Editor, Solicitor, Make-up Artist, Visual Merchandiser, Lighting Technician, Hairdresser/Barber, Signmaker, Marketing Specialist, Geospatial Specialist, Garment Technician
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryAn A3 clearfile folder, laptop and a selection of pencils such as 2H and 2B would be a good start.