Design and Communication Graphics
What is Design and Communication Graphics?
This new syllabus was introduced by the Department of Education in 2007 and it replaced the old Technical Drawing course.
What’s New?
CAD and freehand sketching are compulsory components of the subject and students will be examined in these two areas.
Graphic communication (including communication of design) is now firmly at the core of this syllabus and will also be examined in the form of the student assignment.
Aims:
To develop the cognitive and practical skills associated with communication graphics, problem solving and critical thinking
To develop the capacity and ability of students in the area of visuo-spatial reasoning
To provide a learning environment where students can plan, organize and present appropriate design solutions using a variety of skills, techniques and media
To develop an appreciation for, and understanding of, aesthetic principles and their importance in design and the human environment
To provide a basis for lifelong learning.
Key Emphasis:
The establishment of the core principles of plane and descriptive geometry
The utilization of sketching and CAD as design and communication tools
The connection between topics
The application of theory to practice
The development of practical drawing skills
The engendering of problem solving skills and creative thinking
The advancement of lifelong learning skills.
What areas will I study in DCG?
The syllabus is broken down into three areas as follows:
Core Areas:
- Plane and Descriptive Geometry
Projection Systems
Plane Geometry
Conic Sections
Descriptive Geometry of Lines and Planes
Intersection and Development of Surfaces
- Communication of Design and Computer Graphics
Graphics in Design and Communication
Communication of Design
Freehand Drawing
Information and Communication Technologies
- Applied Graphics (Two options are selected for study in this area)
Dynamic Mechanisms
Structural Forms
Geologic Geometry
Surface Geometry
Assemblies
So to summarize what are the 3 main Skills learned by studying DCG?
- Solidworks (3D CAD Software)
- Freehand Drawing
- Tee-square and Board Drawing
How will Design and Communication Graphics be assessed?
Student’s progress during the two year course will be assessed in a number of different ways by the teacher. There will be a combination of informal and formal assessment.
Informal assessment:
This will include the students receiving verbal feedback from the teacher on how students are progressing and performing as we move from topic to topic. Students will be asked questions during and at the end of lessons. Students work will also be observed and future lessons can then be prepared to cater for all student’s needs.
Formal assessment:
Students will be given examinations after each board drawing topic is studied and again at Christmas and summer of the first year. Students will also be given a small design assignments which will involve communication of ideas through freehand drawing and Solidworks a 3-D CAD (Computer Aided Design) package.
The National Council of Curriculum and Assessment will assess students using two components:
- A course assignment (which is worth 40% of the marks)
- A terminal examination paper (which is worth 60% of the marks)
Course Assignment:
The purpose of the course assignment is to assess those elements of the course that cannot be readily assessed through the terminal examination, in particular the elements of design and communication graphics and the utilisation of ICTs in design (CAD namely Solidworks will form a significant and compulsory component here).
Terminal Examination Paper:
A variety of questioning techniques and methods will be utilized throughout the examination.
Students studying Design and communication Graphics have the option to take examinations at either higher or ordinary level depending on what suits them best.
What Future Professions could DCG lead to?
Architecture
Engineering
Product Design
Graphic Design
Web Design
Animation
Are topics covered in DCG related to any other subjects you may be studying?
Art
Biology
Physics
Geography
Information Technology
Languages
Maths
Engineering
Construction Studies
What other skills/tools are learned by studying DCG?
Internet Research
Photography and Picture Editing
Tutorial Production
Video Capture and Editing
ICT Skills e.g. Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, File Management etc.
