Download Visual Communication and Design

STUDY SUMMARY
VISUAL COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN 2004–2012
The accreditation period has been extended until 31 December 2012.
Please Note: This study summary comprises excerpts from the VCE Visual Communication and
Design Study Design. The summary is not a substitute for the VCE Study Design. Users are
advised to consult the VCAA website
(http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/visualcomm/vcommindex.html) to view the full accredited Study
Design and other resources.
Rationale
Visual Communication is a bridge between an idea and its intended audience. In the fields of
architecture, engineering, graphic, industrial and multimedia design, advertising and marketing,
cartography and fashion, for example, visual communicators use text and/or image to
communicate information. The visual form that the communication takes may be imaginative
and original or it may conform to conventions or accepted rules. The production of visual
communications involves the application of a design process in which final presentations are
developed in response to needs identified in an initial brief. The design process provides a
defined, yet flexible approach, to the development, evaluation and refinement of visual
communication solutions.
The vocabulary and grammar of visual communication is based on understanding and applying
drawing and drawing conventions, design elements and design principles. This knowledge
assists students in the generation of a range of visual communications. In this study, information
and communications technology as well as other forms of image generation are used to create
examples of visual communication. The study also provides the opportunity for students to
develop an informed, critical and discriminating approach to visual communications
encountered in everyday life.
Structure
The study is made up of four units:
Unit 1: Visual communication
Unit 2: Communication in context
Unit 3: Visual communication practices
Unit 4: Designing to a brief
Each unit contains between two and four areas of study.
Entry
There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to
undertaking Unit 4. Units 1 to 4 are designed to a standard equivalent to the final two years of
secondary education.
VCE VISUAL COMMUNICATION 2004–2011
STUDY SUMMARY
Unit 1: Visual communication
The main purpose of this unit is to enable students to develop an understanding of instrumental
drawing methods and freehand drawing including drawing from direct observation. The unit
involves the study of a range of drawing methods, including relevant Australian Standards
conventions. Students develop practical skills in the application of appropriate drawing
methods, design elements and principles, and information and communications technology. The
unit also introduces students to the diversity of visual communication and the role of the design
process in visual communication production.
Unit 2: Communication in context
The main purpose of this unit is to enable students to develop and refine practical skills by
generating images and developing them through freehand drawing, instrumental drawing and
the use of information and communications technology. In the development of visual
communications, this unit enables students to develop an awareness of how the design process
facilitates exploration and experimentation and how information and ideas are communicated.
Unit 3: Visual communication practices
The main purpose of this unit is to enable students to develop an understanding of visual
communication production through the application of the design process to satisfy specific
communication needs. Within the unit, students consider existing visual communication and
analyse and evaluate examples. Students will also investigate the production of visual
communications in a professional setting and examine the nature of professional practice in the
design and production of visual communications.
Unit 4: Designing to a brief
The main purpose of this unit is to enable students to apply their knowledge of the components
of the design process in the preparation of one design brief. Students apply their practical skills
to the development and production of two distinct final visual communication presentations
through application of the design process and based on the requirements of the brief.
Assessment
Satisfactory Completion
The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has
demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be
based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s performance on assessment tasks designated
for the unit.
Levels of Achievement
Units 1 and 2
Procedures for the assessment of levels of achievement in Units 1 and 2 are a matter for school
decision.
Units 3 and 4
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority will supervise the assessment of all
students undertaking Units 3 and 4. In the study of VCE Visual Communication and Design
students’ level of achievement will be determined by School assessed Coursework, a Schoolassessed Task and an end-of-year examination.
©VCAA 2010
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VCE VISUAL COMMUNICATION 2004–2011
STUDY SUMMARY
Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Visual Communication and Design are as
follows:
• Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 33 per cent
• Unit 4 School-assessed Task: 33 per cent
• End-of-year examination: 34 per cent.
©VCAA 2010
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