S1 

Pupils spend 1 period per week in the Technical Department. To allow pupils to develop a range of skills, the academic year is split into two blocks – Graphic Communication and Practical Craft. In Graphic Communication, pupils study the following topics: 

• Orthographic Drawing 
• Measurement 
• One Point Perspective 

In Practical Craft, pupils complete the Health and Safety Induction booklet before entering the Workshop.  Pupils then make the following projects in Practical Craft: 

• Plastic Keyring 
• Metal Keyring 
• Wooden Pencil Holder 

  
S2 

Pupils in S2 spend two periods per week in the Technical Department – one period in Graphic Communication and one period in Practical Craft. 
In Graphic Communication, pupils study the following topics: 

• Orthographic Drawing 
• Two Point Perspective 
• Serif (Desktop publishing software) 
• Autodesk Inventor (3D modelling software) 

In Practical Craft, pupils make the following models: 

• Wooden toy 
• Metal trowel 
• Wooden candle holder 
    

S3 

In S3 pupils are able to choose to continue with Practical Woodwork or Graphic Communication (or both if they wish!). 

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION 
In S3 pupils will complete topics on the drawing boards such as: 

• Orthographic 
• Oblique 
• Isometric 
• Planometric 
• Cones 
• Pyramids 
• Cylinders 

In addition to drawing board work, pupils will also complete work on the computers such as: 

• 3D modelling (Autodesk Inventor) 
• Desktop Publishing (Serif Page Plus) 
• PRACTICAL WOODWORK 

In S3 pupils will make the following models: 

• Tea Caddy 
• Tablet Stand 
• Toolbox 
• Stool 

For each of these models, pupils are required to write a log book detailing how they made it. This is a mandatory part of the final assignment for both National 4 and 5 in S4.

Graphic Communication  

National 5 

The National 5 Graphic Communication course is assessed in two main areas: 

• External written exam paper – 80 marks (2 hours)
• Assignment – 40 marks

The course provides opportunities for candidates to gain skills in reading, interpreting and creating graphic communications. They also learn to apply knowledge and understanding of graphic communication standards, protocols and conventions. 

Candidates develop: 

• skills in graphic communication techniques, including the use of equipment, graphics materials and software
• the ability to extend and apply knowledge and understanding of graphic communication standards, protocols and conventions
• an understanding of the impact of graphic communication technologies on our environment and society

Higher  

The Higher Graphic Communication course is assessed in two main areas: 
 
External written exam paper – 1 hour, 70 marks 
Internal practical model – 70 marks 

The course also comprises of the following mandatory units: 

• 2D Graphic Communication
• 3D and pictorial Graphic Communication

Practical Woodwork – National 5 (S4 only) 

The National 5 Practical Woodwork course is assessed in two main areas: 

• External written exam paper – 1 hour, 60 marks (scaled to 30 marks)
• Internal practical model – 70 marks

The National 5 Practical Woodworking course provides opportunities for candidates to gain a range of theoretical and practical woodworking skills relating to tools, equipment, processes and materials. They also develop skills in reading and interpreting working drawings and related documents as well as an understanding of health and safety. 

Through this, they develop skills, knowledge and understanding of: 

• woodworking techniques
• measuring and marking out timber sections and sheet materials
• safe working practices in workshop environments
• practical creativity and problem-solving skills
• sustainability issues in a practical woodworking context

As part of the practical activity, pupils are also expected to produce a log book, detailing how they carried out the tasks. 

  Practical Metalwork – National 5 (S5 and S6 only) 

The National 5 Practical Metalwork course is assessed in two main areas: 

• External written exam paper – 1 hour, 60 marks (scaled to 30 marks)
• Internal practical model – 70 marks

The National 5 Practical Metalworking course provides opportunities for candidates to gain a range of theoretical and practical metalworking skills relating to tools, equipment, processes and materials. They also develop skills in reading and interpreting working drawings and related documents as well as an understanding of health and safety. 

Through this, they develop skills, knowledge and understanding of: 

• Metalworking techniques
• Measuring and marking out metal sections and sheet materials
• Safe working practices in workshop environments
• Practical creativity and problem-solving skills
• Sustainability issues in a practical metalworking context

Pupils will gain experience in: 

• marking out
• cutting
• shaping
• turning
• welding