Year 7

Pupils design and make a blister packaged key ring that is inspired by a country or culture. The key rings are made from Acrylic and Vinyl.

Aims of the project:

• To develop design and make skills needed in graphical design
• Learn about different cultures
• Learn to design a successful logo
• Learn to use 2D Design Tools V2 (CAD)
• Learn to use industrial manufacturing techniques
• Plotter Cutter to cut the Vinyl logo sticker
• Manufacture a fully packaged key ring

Year 8

Pupils work in the role of a professional graphic designer. Their task is to design an album cover for a new up and coming band.

Aims of the project:

• To develop a further understanding of the role of a graphic designer
• Learn to design impacting and suitable logos and how to create a brand
• Learn to use Corel Draw for design and layout work and Adobe Photoshop to manipulate photographs
• Learn about commercial printing and the manufacture of card products

Year 9 

Students create a corporate identity for a new business.

Students design and make a set of promotional materials for the company. This will include a name, logo, business card, compliment slip, letterhead and carrier bag.

Aims of the project:

• To have an increased understanding of brand identity. E.g. logo design.
• Learn to design a corporate identity that represents a business
• Develop computer design skills using Corel Draw
• Learn a variety of technical drawing and rendering skills

GCSE

Graphic Product students begin Year 10 by learning about and developing their skills in technical drawing. They will practise a range of 3D drawing techniques which will benefit them greatly when they begin their GCSE coursework; this will help them in their exam also as there is a design-based question.

Throughout Year 10 students will practise using a range of tools, equipment and machines such as the laser cutter. They will develop their expertise in a range of materials and techniques helping them to understand their properties and why they are used for certain products. The second project in Year 10 sees the students designing and making packaging for a specific product.

In March of Year 10, students will begin working on their controlled assessment which is the coursework element of the GCSE and complete it by the following February.

 Useful Websites 

http://www.technologystudent.com/

http://www.mr-d-n-t.co.uk/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/graphics/