Standard Grade Craft and Design

The Standard Grade course is offered at Foundation, General and Credit levels and is divided into 3 assessable elements. These elements are "Designing", "Practical Abilities" and "Knowledge and Understanding".

Designing
The pupils are issued with design briefs and are asked to use the design process to fulfil criteria in order to complete a folio. This can include:

• Identifying a need or problem
• Investigating the problem
• Developing a practical solution
• Evaluation of the final design

Practical Abilities
Using a variety of materials such as wood, metal and plastic, the pupils will become skilled in the use of hand and machine tools. Using their own designs and appropriate manufacturing processes, pupils will construct a number of models over the 2 years.
In the first year the pupils will complete 5 units:

• Unit 1 - Boat (Introduction to New Tools and Materials)
• Unit 2 – Desk Tidy (Wood)
• Unit 3 – Gate Latch (Metal)
• Unit 4 – Mirror (Wood and Glass)
• Unit 5 – Photo Frame (Plastic)

There is a test at the end of each unit to test the pupils knowledge within the subject.
In the second year the pupils work on their own projects to complete a model in a chosen material. This lasts approximately 25 hours.

Knowledge and Understanding
In this element the pupils will be introduced to the terminology of the various tools, materials and manufacturing processes involved within the course.

Homework is issued at regular intervals throughout the first year and theory booklets are provided to assist with the completion of these tasks. Theory is also covered within class time on a regular basis throughout the year.

Assessment
The final year project and folio account for 2/3 of the total marks with the final 1/3 coming from the final exam. Folios and projects are assessed internally.

Pupils are encouraged to complete tasks within the department at lunchtimes.

Standard Grade Graphic Communication
This course is also taught at the 3 levels and is intended to familiarise pupils with a variety of forms of graphic techniques.
The course is divided into 3 elements:

Drawing Abilities
Pupils produce drawings using drawing boards and computer graphics. The pupils are tested after each unit. The drawings will cover engineering, architectural, building and domestic appliances.

Knowledge and Interpretation
Pupils will learn to extract information from working drawings and other graphic information. This will also cover those drawings mentioned above.

Illustration and Presentation
This involves a portfolio of pupils classwork which has been developed from working units within the course.

Assessment

• Drawing Abilities and Knowledge and Interpretation
  Both these elements are assessed at the end of the 2 year course by an external exam.
• Illustration and Presentation
  This element is internally assessed on the basis of the portfolio and is externally assessed by the SQA.

Pupils are encouraged to work on tasks and revision topics within the department at lunchtimes.