Higher CAD

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Learning Intentions

Read Technical Drawings

Read technical drawings carefully and extract the necessary information so you can accurately create precise 3D models that represent part and assemblies in full detail.

Use 3D CAD Modelling Software

Use 3D CAD modelling software and develop practical skills with techniques such as Extrude, Revolve, Loft, Helix and Sweep to build complex geometry. Learn common modelling edits including chamfer, fillet, array and shell to refine and finish your designs to a professional standard.

Understand CAD strategies

Understand CAD strategies and adopt efficient approaches for creating 3D models more quickly, including Top‑Down modelling, Parametric modelling and parameter‑driven design methods.

CAD Challenges

Learning 3D CAD turns ideas into something real. It helps you visualise, test and communicate your designs with accuracy — skills that sit at the heart of graphic and the wider world of design and engineering.

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Legacy Challenges

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Extrude CAD Challenges

Extrude is the foundation of 3D modelling in Higher Graphic Communication.

You will learn how to turn accurate 2D sketches into controlled 3D forms using extrude‑add, extrude‑subtract, and extrude‑to‑face operations.

These tasks build confidence in creating clean, manufacturable geometry and prepare you for more advanced modelling tools used later in the course.


Design drawing of an orange peeler on the left and images of an entire orange, peeled orange, peeled orange segments, and orange peel on the right.
Technical drawing of a birdhouse, including plan, elevation, and section views, with dimensions and a 3D rendering of the birdhouse in green.
Technical drawing of a blue bag carrier with orthographic views, section, elevation, and detailed dimensions on a blueprint, alongside a 3D rendered model of the bag carrier.
Technical drawing and 3D model of a bearing bracket, including detailed views, front, side, bottom elevations, and a plan view, with dimensions and annotations.
Technical drawing of a Vee Block with a 3D rendered model on the right. The drawing includes a plan view, end elevation, and a sectional view labeled Section A-A. The title block indicates the drawing title is 'Vee Block,' created for a higher graphic communication course, challenge version V2_0320, with constraints including angular, collinear, parallel, and perpendicular constraints.
Technical drawing and 3D model of a retro gaming controller with labeling of parts and assembly instructions.

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Revolve CAD Challenges

Revolve introduces you to rotational geometry and the importance of profile control, axis definition, and wall thickness management.

Through these challenges, you practise creating hollow forms, intersecting revolved features, and complex curved profiles.

You develop an understanding of how small changes in a sketch can dramatically affect the final 3D form.


Technical drawing of a rocket-shaped object with detailed measurements, side and top views, and a 3D rendered model of the wooden rocket with red accents.
Technical drawing and 3D rendering of binoculars with labeled sections, top view, elevation, and end elevation views.
Technical drawing of a ball valve with a photograph of the valve on the top corners, including various views: plan, section B-B, section A-A, and end elevation. The drawing contains notes, labels, and a title block.
A technical drawing and physical model of a wooden toy race car with blue details, shown from multiple views including top, side, and section views, with annotations for customization.
Technical drawing and real-world images of a metal ball hinge, showing detailed views, sectional and elevation views, with a rusty, weathered surface.
Technical drawing and 3D renderings of a bearing, including multiple cross-sectional views, top view, and a perspective view, with several metal bearing components and a ball bearing assembled device.

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Loft CAD Challenges

Loft introduces you to modelling between multiple profiles, helping you understand how geometry transitions from one shape to another.

These challenges develop key Higher skills such as profile alignment, vertex matching, workplane placement, and rail‑guided form control.

You practise planning complex shapes, managing sketch order, and predicting how CAD will interpret geometry.


Technical drawing of a vase with multiple views including plan, sections, elevation, and a color rendering of the vase with a yellow flower on top.
Technical drawing of a V-shaped structure with plans, sections, and detailed measurements, rendered in black and white, with a 3D textured V-shaped object in gray.
Technical drawing of a wind turbine propeller with multiple views: plan, elevation, sections, detail, and 3D perspective, including various measurements and annotations.
A technical drawing and 3D rendering of an extractor manifold, including multiple views, dimensions, and sectional views.
Technical drawing and 3D rendering of a hollow plastic hairdryer adapter with detailed dimensions and design specifications.
Technical drawing of a speaker with detailed dimensions and views, including top, side, and section views, alongside a 3D rendering of the blue speaker. The drawing includes annotations and labels for construction and assembly.

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Helix CAD Challenges

Helix challenges teach you how to model geometry that follows a spiral or threaded path, introducing concepts used widely in engineering components.

You will develop skills in pitch control, profile shape, swept threads, and partial revolutions, as well as understanding how helix parameters affect the final form.

These tasks build confidence in creating functional features such as screws, propellers, and threaded mechanisms.


Technical drawing of a candle holder made from coiled metal wire, including plan view, section, and elevation views, with a 3D render of the candle holder in the top right corner.
Technical drawing of a curved pipe with detailed measurements and views, including 3D perspective, side elevations, and section.
Technical drawing and 3D rendering of a whisk, showing top view, side elevation, section A-A, and a detailed 3D model of the whisk with a wooden handle and metal wire loops.
Technical drawing and 3D renderings of an energy-saving lamp with a spiral compact fluorescent bulb, including front view, section view, and exploded view, with annotations and title block.
Technical drawing and 3D rendering of a blue marble run toy with concentric circular ramps, including plan, section, and elevation views.
Technical engineering drawing of a clamp with detailed sections and a 3D rendering of the clamp.

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Sweep-along-a-path CAD Challenges

Sweep‑along‑a‑path challenges teach you how to create geometry that follows a defined curve, introducing controlled 3D movement of a profile.

These tasks develop essential Higher skills such as profile orientation, path creation, curve control, and feature planning.

You will practise sweeping simple and complex profiles along straight, curved, and multi‑segment paths, building confidence in producing accurate, flowing forms used in real product design.


Design drawing of a modern chair with a pink seat and backrest, and a metal frame, includes technical sketches and a rendered 3D view.
Technical drawing of a kitchen whisk with detailed views including elevation, section, and bottom view, alongside a 3D render of the whisk with a handle.
Technical drawing of a plastic box with measurements and a 3D rendering of a blue plastic container.
Technical drawing and 3D rendering of a table lamp with a cylindrical black light and a metal stand.
Technical drawing of a mug, showing top, front, and section views with dimensions, alongside a 3D rendering of four colored mugs in green, blue, black, and purple.
Technical drawing and 3D model of a kitchen utensil called a masher with dimensions, a foam handle, and a note to model your own handle to fit metal.