In Commercial & Advertising Arts, students learn about processes and industries that develop, design, produce, and disseminate products. Students will embrace the technology of design, printing, publishing, and packaging processes that are required for commercial advertising industries. The field of graphic communications encompasses all graphic processes from origination of the idea, which includes design and illustration, to reproduction, finishing, and distribution. Our program involves creation of multi-dimensional products and electronic transmissions. It integrates technologies of pre-press, digitizing, interactive multimedia, digital imaging, and desktop publishing. All of the printing methods, such as offset lithography, letterpress, screen printing, engraving, foil stamping, thermography, heat-transfer, embossing, laser printing, vinyl cutting, and other electronic imaging and reproduction methods will be taught within the curriculum throughout the four-year program. Post-press operations, which include folding, cutting, fastening, personalizing, and product distribution are stressed throughout the program.
COMMERCIAL & GRAPHIC ARTS I prerequisite -none 10 credits
Graphic Arts students begin their study by learning print shop procedures, safety procedures, and the history of graphics. Students quickly progress to developing the basic skills of the industry through a project-based curriculum. These skills include math and measurement, introduction to quick print and copier techniques, conventional layout and pasting procedures, studio safety, basic tools, and supplies. Also introduced are the elements of type, drawing line art, and computer introduction.
COMMERCIAL & GRAPHIC ARTS II prerequisite -Graphic Arts I 10 credits
In the second year of the program, students begin to explore the basics of production through a study of graphic arts and related theory. After a review of print shop procedures and safety, students learn basic copier operation, screen print process and procedures, design, photography, and line art reproduction. Students also begin experimenting with paper, graphic materials, color theory, design theory, and desktop publishing.
COMMERCIAL & GRAPHIC ARTS III prerequisite -Graphic Arts II 15 credits
Upon completion of this class, students will have an understanding of graphic formats and skills to decide when to use which format, and format conversion. Students will demonstrate knowledge of electronic imaging and other image generation devices for reproduction photography. Students will progress their skills with sand carving, laser cutting, screen printing, inkjet print, and contour cut.
COMMERCIAL & GRAPHIC ARTS IV prerequisite - Graphic Arts III 15 credits
During Graphic Arts IV, students focus on production skills. They practice design, layout, digital plate making, presswork and binder procedures as well as exploring waterless printing techniques. Throughout their fourth year, all students focus on portfolio development as they complete many “live jobs” for the school and public. Students progress to advanced presswork and strive to further develop their skills through the cooperative employment program.
Proposed Sequence of Courses
Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Journalism/History of Film
Graphic Arts I Phys. Ed/Driver Ed Graphic Arts III Phys. Ed/ Health
Biology Pre-Calculus
Commercial Art I U.S. History I English 12
English 9 English 10 English 11 Business Management I
Spanish I Spanish II Earth Science
Physical Science Commercial Art II Spanish III Graphic Arts IV
Phys. Ed/ Health Graphic Arts II Phys. Ed/ Health
World History U.S. History II
Graduation Requirements
The following are high school graduation requirements as established through state law/regulations or Board policy.
Satisfactory completion of a Board of Education approved program consisting of:
4 years of English
4 years of Health/Physical Education
3 years of Social Studies (World History, U.S. History I, and U.S. History II)
3 years of Mathematics and 3 years of Science
1 year of Fine, Practical, or Performing Arts
1 year of Business Management
Career Academic Midterm Paper
Senior Year Research Paper
1 year of a World Language (2 years for college prep)
Other minimum requirements are listed by shop specialty
A senior must take and complete a national or state-validated test in their vocational area. Students must take a class every period. There are NO STUDY HALLS. It is anticipated that students, on average, will graduate with 170 credits, inclusive of state-mandated and CTE requirements. Students must pass the HSPA in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing in order to receive a diploma unless exempt through the I.E.P. process.
Students who fail their Career Major/Academy Program or three or more courses for the entire year will not be re-admitted to WCTS for the following year.
Each course of study required for graduation shall include a statement of the required proficiencies to be mastered by the students enrolled in the course. Credit for each required course will be awarded upon the successful completion of the program assigned and satisfaction of the proficiencies identified. Students shall be given every reasonable opportunity to remediate and satisfy failed proficiencies.
Successful completion of remedial courses in HSPA English or HSPA Mathematics will count toward the total number of credits required for graduation. However, those courses will not satisfy the curriculum requirement for high school English or Mathematics.
