Digital Communication Solutions (Photography & Graphic Design)
| SACE Code | 2DCS20 |
| Level | Stage 2 |
| Learning Area | Technologies |
| Duration | Year |
| Semester | Full Year |
| Pre-requisite | No formal pre-requisite is required. However, an interest in photography, graphic design and digital technologies is highly recommended. |
| Additional Costs | You will need a camera or smart phone to take photographs. If you are a home-based student, the college will provide you with Adobe Photoshop. If you are school-based, your school will provide Adobe Photoshop (version CS3 or later). |
| SACE Credits | 20 |
Who is this course for?
Do you enjoy photography and want to take your images into the world of graphic design?
This course is designed for students who want to develop their photography skills and use their own photographs as the foundation for creative digital designs. A major focus of the course is
Adobe Photoshop, where you will learn to manipulate, enhance and combine images to create professional-looking graphic design outcomes.
The course is particularly suited to students who enjoy working creatively with technology and are comfortable learning and exploring computer software independently.
As a Stage 2 course, you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning and manage your time effectively. Students should expect to spend at least four hours per week outside of lesson time working on Photography and Graphic Design.
What will I learn?
Throughout the course, you will:
- Develop advanced photography skills, with a focus on image capture techniques, composition, and creating visually effective photographs.
- Explore how photography can be used as a foundation for graphic design.
- Develop your skills in Adobe Photoshop, including image manipulation, enhancement, and compositing.
- Experiment with digital techniques to transform your photographs and communicate creative ideas.
- Investigate the creative and ethical issues surrounding the use and manipulation of digital images.
- Apply the Design and Realisation Process to develop and produce a major graphic design solution.
- Your own photographs will provide the starting point for many of your digital design projects, giving you the opportunity to combine photography, technology and graphic design in creative ways.
How will I be assessed?
You will demonstrate your learning through the following assessment types:
Skills and Applications Tasks — 20%
- Complete a photo shoot demonstrating a range of image capture techniques.
- Create two digital image composites using Photoshop manipulation techniques.
Resource Study — 30%
- Resource Investigation:
- Explore and investigate digital techniques used in Adobe Photoshop.
- Issue Exploration:
- Investigate the ethical use and manipulation of digital images in society.
Design Process and Solution — 50%
- Apply the Design and Realisation Process to design and produce a graphic design solution, such as a novel cover or magazine cover
Requirements
You will need access to a camera or smartphone capable of taking photographs. The school library has a limited number of cameras available for student use, subject to availability.
You will also need access to Adobe Photoshop
- Home-based students: The college will provide Adobe Photoshop.
- School-based students: Your school will provide Adobe Photoshop (CS3 or later).
Pre-requisite
No formal pre-requisite is required. However, an interest in photography, graphic design and digital technologies is highly recommended.
Cost
A camera or smart phone to take photographs. The library does have a limited number of cameras available for use.
Last updated: 28 September 2026
