Performance descriptors

The following descriptors provide a guide to the levels of performance typically demonstrated within
each range on the assessment task/s.
MARK RANGE

DESCRIPTOR: typical performance in each range

Part A: Explanation and analysis of existing visual communications

1315 marks

Comprehensive and perceptive analysis of the features, purposes, contexts

and audience/s of selected existing visual communications. Insightful
evaluation of how materials, methods, media, design elements and
principles are applied to convey information in existing visual
communications. Highly developed evidence that effectively details the
connections between existing visual communications and student work.
Highly effective use of terminology.

1012 marks

Detailed and clear analysis of the features, purposes, contexts and

audience/s of selected existing visual communications. Clear evaluation of
how materials, methods, media, design elements and principles are applied
to convey information in existing visual communications. Well-developed
evidence that details the connections between existing visual
communications and student work. Effective use of terminology.

79 marks

Satisfactory analysis of the features, purposes, contexts and audience/s of

selected existing visual communications. Adequate evaluation of how
materials, methods, media, design elements and principles are applied to
convey information in existing visual communications. Satisfactory
evidence that details the connections between existing visual
communications and student work. Appropriate use of terminology.

5- 6 marks

Limited analysis of the features, purposes, contexts and audience/s of

selected existing visual communications. Limited evaluation of how
materials, methods, media, design elements and principles are applied to
convey information in existing visual communications. Some evidence
that details the connections between existing visual communications and
student work. Limited use of terminology.

14 marks

Very limited analysis of the features, purposes, contexts and audience/s of

selected existing visual communications. Basic description of how
materials, methods, media, design elements and principles are applied to
convey information in existing visual communications. Very little
evidence that details the connections between existing visual
communications and student work. Very limited use of terminology.

Part B: Practice creation of visual communications

4960 marks

Highly developed skills and accurate use of drawing methods and

conventions to visualise ideas and concepts and to create visual
communications. Highly effective selection and consistent application of
design elements and principles, methods, materials and media to create
visual communication for specific purposes, audiences and contexts.
Comprehensive knowledge and highly developed skills in the use of type,
image and digital applications appropriate to specific visual
communications.

3748 marks

Well- developed skills and accurate use of drawing methods and

conventions to visualise ideas and concepts and to create visual
communications. Effective selection and generally consistent application
of design elements and principles, methods, materials and media to create
visual communication for specific purposes, audiences and contexts. Clear
knowledge and well- developed skills in the use of type, image and digital
applications appropriate to specific visual communications.

2536 marks

Adequate skills and accurate use of drawing methods and conventions to

visualise ideas and concepts and to create visual communications.
Satisfactory selection and application of design elements and principles,
methods, materials and media to create visual communication for specific
purposes, audiences and contexts. Adequate knowledge and skills in the
use of type, image and digital applications appropriate to specific visual
communications.

1324 marks

Limited skills and some accurate use of drawing methods and conventions
to visualise ideas and concepts and to create visual communications.
Limited selection and limited application of design elements and
principles, methods, materials and media to create visual communication
for specific purposes, audiences and contexts. Some knowledge and skills
in the use of type, image and digital applications appropriate to specific
visual communications.

112 marks

Very limited skills and very little accurate use of drawing methods and
conventions to visualise ideas and concepts and to create visual
communications. Very limited selection and very little application of
design elements and principles, methods, materials and media to create
visual communication for specific purposes, audiences and contexts. Very
little knowledge and very limited skills in the use of type, image and
digital applications appropriate to specific visual communications.

Task/s
Description
In response to given stimulus material, create three visual communications designed for different
contexts, purposes and audiences,
These visual communications will include evidence of:
two- or three-dimensional presentation drawing
use of digital methods.
and
An explanation of the connections between each of these visual communications and existing visual
communications using one of the following forms:
annotated visual communications
written or oral report supported by visual evidence.