Our Year 11 Visual Communication Design students have recently completed Unit 3 Area of Study 1, demonstrating strong engagement across both analytical and practical components of the course.

In Section A, students developed their ability to compare contemporary designers, strengthening skills in analysis, use of design terminology, and understanding of how visual language communicates to specific audiences, purposes and contexts. They explored how factors such as culture, technology and sustainability influence design practices, building a strong foundation for critical thinking.

In Section B, students applied these insights through practical design work, showcasing their ability to generate, develop and refine ideas. Their folios demonstrated effective use of visual language, thoughtful application of manual and digital design conventions, and clear presentation formats. Students also showed growing confidence in integrating concepts of good design, including functionality, sustainability and user-centred thinking.

We commend our year 11 VCD students for their effort, creativity and commitment to developing both their analytical and practical design skills. Here is what our Year 11 VCD students share about their experience in this unit. We are proud of their growth and look forward to seeing their creativity continue to develop.

How did experimenting with different materials and resources in the art room help you develop your design ideas?

“Trying out different materials helped me see what worked best and gave me new ideas I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. I even told a friend I’d live in the art room if I could!”

- Hafsa Junaid

“The teacher filled a whole table of media on the first day of art room-that were just examples of what we could use, the limitless options in the room encouraged me to experiment with design as much as I wanted, allowing me to put things together that I haven't done before.”

- Fatima Tahir

“I was able to explore different materials and techniques which helped me develop and refine my design ideas more creatively.” - Armish Fatima

“When I look around i would see stuff that would appeal to me and give me ideas on what details to add and having access to materials and resources made it more engaging and fun to be more creative.” - Izzah Barakat

“Experimenting with different materials in the art room helped develop my ideas by making it look different in every page with a new aesthetic and making it not look boring.”

- Eman Alhawli

“you need a good range of equipment to put your ideas onto the page and the art room supports that.” - Tawseef Hossain

“when experimenting with different materials and resources within the art room, helped me develop my creative thinking skills when creating compositions for the design within

my folio.” - Ayra Maaz

“Experimenting with different materials and resources in the art room helped me develop design ideas by allowing me to explore the range of techniques and art styles. Trying out different tools and media made it easier to see what worked best and what didn’t, which helped me improve my ideas. It also helped me think more creatively and led to unexpected outcomes which initially wasn't planned.” - Sumaiyya Naik

“I was able to get a clear view of what my opportunities were, and I felt I could freely brainstorm what do to especially when it seemed achievable.” - Afifa Arafat

“Experimenting with different materials helped me test how to show form, texture and depth more clearly, and it guided me toward the rendering and sketching methods that best communicated my final design.” - Manahil Syed

“Experimenting with different materials helped me explore a range of visual outcomes and refine my ideas based on what was most effective.” - Asma Ali

What is one skill or concept you developed in this unit, and how did it improve your understanding of design?

“One concept I explored was complementary colours in visual language. It helped me understand how opposite colours can work well together and bring out the best in a design. (My favourite combo is yellow and purple)” - Hafsa Junaid

“Every aspect of art has multiple perspectives behind the scenes that I didn't know of, diving in deeper with VCD-related methods catalysed how just one aspect of design tells a lot, revealing that it's not just a draw-and-done process but an ongoing adventure of various designers.” - Fatima Tahir

“Understanding how comparing works in VCD and helped me remember that everything that is done needs to be compared” - Izzah Barakat

“I was able to understand the purpose and importance of visual language in design which increased my knowledge of compositions and improved how I communicate ideas visually.”

- Armish Fatima

“One skill i developed in this unit was learning how to fully compare between 2 things as we had to compare between designers, I could now go in depth of how designers differ from each other” - Eman Alhawli

“You need a good range of equipment to put your ideas onto the page and the art room supports that” - Tawseef Hossain

“Experimenting with different materials and resources within the art room, helped me develop my creative thinking skills when creating compositions for the design within my folio” - Ayra Maaz

“I am developing and understanding the theory and design concepts. While it may not be easy and feel engaging at times, it still offers valuable insight into how visual language communicates ideas and messages” - Sumaiyya Naik

“My analysis skills seem better than before, and that would be the result of how much importance is put into in-depth analysis in VCD. This improved my understanding of design because I was actively breaking down the ideas presented in order to decipher them.”

- Afifa Arafat

“I developed a stronger understanding of visual language, which helped me analyse how designers use elements and principles to communicate ideas. This improved my ability to explain design decisions clearly in my own work.” - Manahil Syed

“I developed my ability to use visual language which improved how I communicate ideas clearly to suit different audiences and purposes.” - Asma Ali

Ms. Shimaa Halima, Head of Art & ICT (Y7-9), Visual Communication Designer Teacher

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