Appendix 3: National 4 and National 5
comparison Graphic Communcation
Graphic
Communication
Graphic types
Manual
techniques
Computer-aided
techniques
Skills in
applying
drawing
standards,
protocols and
conventions
National 4
The ability to understand and
produce graphic responses for
simple and straightforward
preliminary, production and
promotional graphics.
Demonstrate the necessary skills,
knowledge and application of simple
and effective techniques when using
graphic instruments or devices, and
a range of common graphics media.
Hardware and software — simple
and common techniques associated
with and uses of: computer aided
design/ draughting, desktop
publishing, digital capture and
similar input devices as they support
the creation of orthographic and
pictorial views.
Recognised drawing standards,
protocols and conventions in
engineering and construction,
symbols and standards. Line types
(including dimension lines, centre
line, hidden detail), dimensioning
(linear, radial and diameter), and
symbols for sections, hatching,
symbols for building construction,
and third angle projection system in
generating elevations and plans.
Geometric
shapes and
forms, and
everyday
objects
Common simple geometric forms
and simple everyday objects
consisting: squares, rectangles,
circles right cylinders, square and
equilateral triangular prisms and
pyramids, components based on
those forms, combinations of two
components.
Views and
techniques
Orthographic projection of simple
geometric forms and simple
everyday objects in third angle
National 5
The ability to understand and
produce graphic responses for:
preliminary, production and
promotional graphics.
Demonstrate the necessary skills,
knowledge and application of
effective techniques when using
graphic instruments or devices,
and a range of common graphics
media.
Hardware and software —
techniques associated with and
uses of: computer aided design/
draughting , desktop publishing,
digital capture and similar input
devices as they support the
creation of orthographic and
pictorial views
Recognised drawing standards,
protocols and conventions in
engineering and construction,
symbols and standards. Line
types (including dimension lines,
centre line, hidden detail),
dimensioning (linear, radial,
diameter, angular, square, across
flats, across corners), and
symbols for sections, hatching,
symbols for building construction,
and third angle projection system.
Common geometric forms and
everyday objects consisting:
squares, rectangles, circles,
hexagons, octagons, right prisms,
pyramids, cones, and cylinders,
partial or single cuts to these
forms, components based on
geometric forms, combinations of
two components.
Orthographic projection of
geometric forms and everyday
objects in third angle projection,
projection, where relevant -plans
and elevations, simple true shapes
parallel to vertical or horizontal
planes, basic surface developments
of straight sided objects with simple
cuts, sectional views, assembly
drawings, exploded isometric views
of two simple and rectilinear parts.
Pictorial views including isometric
and oblique containing straight
sided parts, and simple planometric
views.
true lengths and true shapes,
surface developments, sectional
views, assembly drawings,
exploded isometric views of three
parts. Pictorial views including
isometric, oblique containing
curved parts and planometric.
Building
construction
drawings:
Location plans, site layouts/block
plans, floor plans, simple sectional
views, elevations and, schematic
diagrams.
Location plans, site layouts/block
plans, floor plans, sectional views,
elevations and, schematic
diagrams.
Skills and
techniques in
sketching (use
of paper-based
and/or electronic
slates or similar
devices)
Skills in
illustration
techniques
using manual
and/or
computer-aided
formats
Skills and
creativity in
producing
effective
promotional
graphics
Sketching techniques including:
proportion, line quality, vanishing
points, line sketching using single
and two-point perspective, in
communicating simple straight-sided
everyday objects.
Sketching techniques, including:
proportion, line quality, vanishing
points, line sketching using single
and two-point perspective, and
representations of geometric
forms and everyday objects.
Representations of light, shade,
shadow, reflection, tone, gradient,
texture, layout, and display
techniques.
Representations of light, shade,
shadow, reflection, tone, gradient,
texture, layout, and display
techniques.
Public information symbols, flow
charts and similar, informational
graphics with considerations of,
alignment, unity and depth,
elements and principles of the use
of colour (warm, cool, contrast,
harmony), reflection and shade.
Techniques in the creation of simple
promotional graphic displays and
including those for
research/investigation and
generating ideas.
Public information symbols, flow
charts and similar, informational
graphics, alignment, dominance,
unity and depth, elements and
principles of the use of colour,
(warm, cool, contrast, harmony,
advancing, receding, mood),
reflection and shade. Using
techniques to create promotional
graphic displays and including
those for research/investigation
and generating ideas.
Using
technology in
graphic
communication
Ranges, features and uses of
common graphic hardware and
software, computer systems, file
management; digital input and
output devices and the advantages
Ranges, features and uses of
graphic hardware and software,
including animation packages,
computer systems, file
management; digital input and
Computer aided
design/
draughting
Desktop
publishing
Graphic
communication
technology:
impact on
society and the
environment
Safe working
and limitations of computer aided
design/ draughting.
output devices and the
advantages and limitations of
computer aided design/
draughting.
In communicating simple, straight
sided everyday objects, techniques,
customs and practices across a
range of packages: generic drawing
and editing commands and terms
(including: copy, zoom, mirror, trim
line, rotate, scale, extrude, import,
export), basic 3D modelling
techniques (including extrusion,
revolved solids, fillet, chamfer),
techniques in the production of
orthographic and pictorial work
using computer aided design/
draughting , and the use and
function of computer aided design/
draughting libraries.
Techniques, customs and practices
across a range of packages, generic
terms and techniques such as:
copy/cut/paste, text box, handles,
colour fill, margin, single and multipage format, title, extended text,
alignment, heading, cropping,
transparency, drop shadow, rotate,
justification, paper sizing, reverse,
gutter, caption, header and footer.
Simple planning strategies,
thumbnails and annotation
Techniques, customs and
practices across a range of
packages: generic drawing and
editing commands and terms
(including: copy, zoom, mirror,
trim line, rotate, scale, extrude,
import, export), 3D modelling
techniques (including extrusion,
revolved solids, shell, subtraction,
union, fillet, chamfer), techniques
in the production of orthographic
and pictorial work using computer
aided design/ draughting, and the
use and function of computer
aided design/draughting libraries.
Techniques, customs and
practices across a range of
packages, generic terms and
techniques such as:
copy/cut/paste, text box, handles,
colour fill, margin, single and
multi-page format, title, extended
text, alignment, heading,
cropping, text wrap, flow text
along a path, bleed, transparency,
drop shadow, rotate, justification,
paper sizing, reverse, gutter,
caption, header and footer.
Planning strategies, thumbnails
and annotation.
The impact and influence of graphic communication activity on society
and the environment — for example: the paperless office, use of
recycled materials, computer aided design/ draughting as it supports
manufacturing and other industries, DTP in marketing and promotional
activities, remote working, communication crossing international
boundaries using a common graphical language.
The safe working practices and systems which support graphic
communication activities in studios and other such working
environments.