Lesson Plan

• Describe the colour‑separation process and the function of CMYK plates.
• Analyse the advantages of colour separation for large‑run printing.
• Evaluate the disadvantages, including cost, set‑up time, registration errors and environmental impact.
• Compare colour separation with alternative printing techniques.
• Apply the knowledge to recommend suitable printing methods for specific design briefs.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slide showing the colour‑separation flowchart
• Printed handouts with the summary table
• Sample printed pieces (CMYK and spot‑colour examples)
• Worksheets for group analysis
• Markers and sticky notes
• Optional: RIP software demo on a laptop

Begin with a quick visual hook of a vivid printed poster and ask students how many inks were used. Review prior knowledge of CMYK and plate concepts, then outline today’s success criteria: students will be able to list key pros and cons of colour separation and justify its use in a design brief.

1. Starter – 5 minutes: Kahoot quiz on printing terminology (CMYK, plate, RIP).
2. Mini‑lecture – 10 minutes: Explain the colour‑separation workflow using the flowchart slide.
3. Group analysis – 15 minutes: In pairs, examine the provided summary table and record advantages and disadvantages on the worksheet.
4. Whole‑class discussion – 10 minutes: Share group findings; highlight registration issues and environmental concerns.
5. Case study – 10 minutes: Present a design brief; groups decide whether colour separation or an alternative method is best and justify their choice.
6. Check for understanding – 5 minutes: Exit ticket – each student writes one advantage and one disadvantage on a sticky note.

Recap the main advantages and disadvantages discussed, linking them back to the success criteria. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign homework: research one alternative printing technique (e.g., spot‑colour or digital UV printing) and prepare a brief comparison for the next lesson.