Home > Curriculum > Design and Technology > Graphic Producrs
Graphic Products
- Members of Staff and Roles/Responsibilities
- Subject Overview
- KS3 Structure
- KS3 Content
- KS4 Option
- Additional Information
Members of Staff and Roles/Responsibilities
| Mr R Mander | Subject leader |
Subject Overview
Key Stage 3 Systems and Control
Students will be taught about a range of practical applications for the 'real world' within the Systems and Control course. A range of existing products will be studied to inform creative approaches to designing and making interactive commercial products. Students will be taught Graphic Communication skills as part of the course through product design development. An awareness of the importance of aesthetic qualities in achieving high quality practical outcomes is taught through a range of practical activities.
System and Control is the study of parts or components, 
which work together to control a task, activity, machine or gadget. At Sir Jonathan North we focus on electronic systems which all have an input, a process, and outputs, for example an egg timer.
The study of practical skills in systems and control can include -
- Electronic, mechanical, microprocessor and computer control systems and how to use them for different commercial products.
- Assembly of subsystems into more complex systems.
- Feedback and how a variety of inputs can give rise to outputs which make products suitable for a variety of end uses in our everyday lives.
GCSE Graphic Products
iGraphic Products is the study of different 2D and 3D designing and making techniques used in designing commercial products such as packaging, point-of-sale displays or those used in advertising for the internet and television.
The study of making in Graphic Products can include:
- Researching, developing, modeling and communicating ideas in a range of practical ways.
- Learning to respond creatively to set briefs; with students developing their own proposals and producing detailed specifications for product designs developed.
- Applying knowledge and understanding of a range of materials and technologies taught to design and make their own products.
- Evaluating use of equipment and/ or computer-aided design/manufacture (CAD/CAM) facilities used to use solve technical problems in the most appropriate way.
- Year 7. Transition project which is extended to
include CAD & CAM systems. The focus of the projects is designing and making a packaging net creation, testing and designing, prototyping and making electronic circuits. All projects involve work with thin sheet materials (card,) and graphics in order to achieve a working and accurate product. - Year 8. Building on the electronics/ graphic skills developed in year 7, year 8 are required to examine how electronic devices can be used to control a number of outputs e.g. a monostable 555 timer and to develop more complex controllable electronic systems.
- Year 9. Year 9 are required to explore an audio output in the form of an amplifier. The project outcomes cover the use of CAD (Photoshop/ Illustrator), CAM (Robocutter/ Dye Sublimation) and study of IC control (Integrated Circuit). The project also has cross curricular themes such as Ohms Law and the theory of capacitance and units used in science.
KS3 Progression within Systems and Control
KS3 Content
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term |
Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term Hovercraft/ Buggy Challenge |
Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term |
KS4 Option 
Organisations are recognising the importance of good design and there are many openings in graphic design. For example - in advertising agencies, design studios, in-house company departments and consultancies as well as in the freelance sector.
Who is it for?
This course would suit students who enjoy expressing their visual ideas creatively – whether digitally or in print.
What will I learn?
In addition to basic design skills, courses usually cover advertising, typographic design, print technology, illustration, new media and computer aided design.
Graphic Design - is where words and visual images are used to convey ideas and information. Graphic Design features in lots of different areas including advertising, publishing, signage, packaging, corporate identity (a company's image and logo) and multimedia.
Graphic Products
This is concerned with visual imagery and the production of 3D outcomes. You would demonstrate a wide range of drawing techniques to create, develop and convey solutions to a problem.
How will I study?
The emphasis is on making 2D and 3D promotional materials, of high quality, using compliant art materials. Your coursework will focus on the creativity and impact graphic design has on your life in the 21st Century.
What exams are there?
The AQA Graphic Products coursework is 60% and a written exam 40%.
Option Block
Graphics is offered in Option Block 2.
Career Information
Possible job opportunities include:
Graphic Design, Web Design, Animation Design, Product Design, 3D Design, Film Production, Interior Design, Freelance Design, Packaging Design or Digital Design.
Average Salary: Graphic designers working for a Graphic Design house can earn between
£20,000, - £40,000 a year (source www.itjobswatch.co.uk)
The use of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator feature in the top 3 required applications required by a graphic designer.
http://www.adigitaldreamer.com/articles/index.htm lists a number of information articles concerning graphic careers and opportunities available today.
Progress Information
All BA (Hons) Graphic Design courses are built upon an understanding of the design process, thinking and mastering the skills to express your visual ideas creatively – whether digitally or in print. They will encourage you to question the role of design and the designer’s responsibilities within society.
Enrichment
Visiting a working graphic studio and print house to explore how promotional graphic products are manufactured in industry
