Visual Communication

Enrichment: Elective Unit

Students may elect to study Visual Communication for either one or two semesters.

Unit description

In this unit students develop knowledge of presentations such as orthogonal drawing, paraline drawing, symbols, package design and perspective drawings.

Through the exploration of ideas, students learn design processes, skills and techniques, especially in drawing. They modify their work in response to their own and others' evaluations. They will explore the use of available equipment, including computers, when applying design elements and principles such as line, tone, shape, texture, composition, balance and colour. They develop an understanding of the basic techniques involved in two- and three-dimensional drawing, using a range of rendering techniques.

Students develop their visual communications using the design process to fulfil a set purpose. The importance of good communication and well presented work is emphasised.

In this unit students will explore the following essential questions:
 

1. What is the importance of Visual Communication and Design in our lives?
2. How do we use design elements and principles to communicate and manipulate visual information?
3. Why is it important to understand and represent information visually?

Semester 1

The study includes:

• Technical drawing: exploring oblique, isometric and planometric drawing, orthogonal drawing, technical equipment and rendering techniques
• Symbol design: problem solving and designing to a specific brief, implementing the design process and generating a final design using computers
• Information design: students have the opportunity to design pieces of visual communication that inform or promote. Packaging, posters, corporate identity
• Computer graphics: Illustrator CS3 and Photoshop will be introduced to students as a design tool.

Semester 2

The study includes:

• Technical drawing: exploring oblique, isometric and planometric drawing, orthogonal drawing, technical equipment and rendering techniques
• Information graphics: a range of creative design may be covered such as packaging, posters, corporate identity or illustration assignments
• Computer graphics: Illustrator CS3 and Photoshop will be introduced to students as a design tool.

Assessment

• Visual diary
• Folio

Note: Students are required to choose at least one Elective or Specialisation Unit from Art, Drama or Music in either Year 8 or Year 9.