Head Of Department - Mr M Platt, NZATC, ATC Dip Tchg
Email: m.platt@kingscollege.school.nz
Why do Graphics?
In the past the importance of Graphics and Design (formerly Technical Drawing), has often been overlooked in preference for the more 'academic' subjects taught in schools. As society is becoming more scientifically-orientated, the importance of this subject is being increasingly recognised. The computer is an important technical tool both for Computer-Aided Draughting (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Students are introduced to CAD in Year 10 and these skills are further developed in the senior classes.
Now with a purposed built Model making room, students are encouraged to explore their ideas and design in 3D using a range of suitable materials such as paper, card, clay, foam, plastic, balsa wood, metal etc.
Graphics is recognised as an important part of everyday life, developing the ability to quickly process thoughts in sketch form, in a less formal way, and as an aid to plan logically. All articles that are manufactured, from the shoe to the jumbo jet, dresses to cartons and the machinery that makes these articles, have to be designed and drawn. Career opportunities are vast!
So where does Graphics lead?
Graphics is essential to many industries that rely on conveying a visual image. Graphics is literally the Packaging 'P' from the 4 'P's of marketing. Thus graphic designers secure appointments in fields as diverse as:
Desktop Publishing
Public Relations
Packaging Companies
Interior Design
Industrial Design
Architecture | Advertising
Printing
Corporate Imaging
Visual Communications
Fine Arts
Fashion Technology |
Graphics therefore provides a sound foundation for any student contemplating a career in the applied arts.
Graphics - Year Ten
At this level students start with an introductory course that includes freehand sketching. They are also introduced to formal drawings on the drawing board and the CAD programme. Students are given assignments that will incorporate several topics in a design-based problem where they are taught to use design sequence to arrive at a solution. Model & mock-ups are an important part of the design process and with the new building, we are able to have the students explore their design ideas in the purposed build model room which joins onto the graphics room.
Graphics - Year Eleven
Students with no background in the subject are able to start at this level.
The subject prescription includes:
- Plane and solid geometry involved in producing orthographic and pictorial views. Students are able to produce plans and elevations for single storey wooden structures, including elementary surveying as well as engineering parts and assemblies.
- The Design process, including the construction of models and mock-ups
- Graphic presentation: the use and application of various presentation techniques
- Environmental concerns regarding design.
All students are prepared for New Zealand Certificate in Educational Achievement in Graphics. This will consist of assignments, each of which will include one ore more of the following Achievement Standards.
| 1.1 | Produce freehand sketches
3 Credits |
| 1.2 | Produce geometrical shapes and solids
2 Credits |
| 1.3 | Produce instrumental, multi-view working drawings
3 Credits |
| 1.4 | Produce pictorial drawings using instruments and render these drawings
4 Credits |
| 1.5 | Produce mock-ups and models
4 Credits |
| 1.6 | 1.6 Apply a design process, and design principles to identified needs and opportunities
5 Credits |
| 1.8 | 1.8 Present design ideas that show design features and functions
3 Credits |
Graphics - Year Twelve
All students will prepare for New Zealand Certificate in Educational Achievement level 2 in Graphics This will consist of assignments, each of which will include one ore more of the following Achievement Standards.
| 2.1 | Produce freehand sketches
3 Credits | | 2.2 | Produce two-dimensional instrumental drawings
3 Credits | | 2.3 | Produce three-dimensional Instrumental drawings
3 Credits | | 2.5 | Produce mock-ups and models to explore design ideas
3 Credits | | 2.6 | Develop and present a solution for an architectural and/or environmental brief
3 Credits | | 2.7 | Develop and present a solution for an engineering and/or technological brief
3 Credits | | 2.8 | Develop and present a solution for a given media and/or technical illustration brief
3 Credits | |
Graphics - Year Thirteen
All students will prepare for New Zealand Certificate in Educational Achievement Level 3 in Graphics. This will consist of assignments, each of which will include one ore more of the following Achievement Standards
| 3.1 | AS90734 Develop a design solution to a negotiated brief using specialised graphics knowledge
5 Credits External | | 3.3 | AS90736 Develop and present a solution to an architectural or environmental design brief
5 Credits Internal | | 3.4 | AS90737 Develop and present a solution to an engineering or technical illustration design brief
5 Credits Internal | | 3.5 | AS90738 Develop and present a solution to a medial or environmental design brief
5 Credits Internal | |
Achievement Standards 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 will be incorporated in with briefs. One of those briefs will also contain 3.1
