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S1/S2 Art and Design

Course Content

In S1 and S2 pupils are offered two periods per week of Art & Design.

The course is known as "The Introductory Course" because, in the time available, pupils are introduced to as many aspects of Art & Design as possible.

The course falls into three main elements :-

Expressive: which covers skills in drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture.

Design: which takes a problem solving approach to areas of design such as graphics, product, fashion and environmental design.

Critical:which is the study of the work of artists and designers relevant to the practical work being undertaken.

Throughout the Introductory Course emphasis is given to teaching an understanding of the visual elements of Colour, Shape, Form, Texture, Pattern, Line and Tone.

Assessment

The Introductory Course is divided into units of approximately six weeks. Pupil's work is assessed at the end of each unit.

Homework

Critical Activity homework is given every month and practical homework is given, as and when required within a unit.

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Standard Grade Art and Design

Course Content

At Standard Grade pupils are involved in 3 activities :

Expressive
(drawing, painting, sculpture)

Design
(product, graphic)

Critical
(the study of the work of artists and designers. Critical Activity is an integral part of Expressive and Design Activities)

S3

In S3 the course consists of 4 units of work :

Sculpture (August - October holiday)

Product Design (October - Christmas holiday)

Painting (Whole of second term)

Drawing (April - change of timetable)

S4

In S4 there are 2 units :

Graphic Design (Change of timetable - November)

Painting (November - Easter including Prelim Exam in December and preparation for Standard Grade Exam in May)

The course emphasises the practical nature of the subject. Critical Activity relates directly to the practical work being undertaken. It is our policy to base Critical Activity on real examples of art and design. With that in mind, Gallery visits are arranged.

Assessment

Continuous diagnostic assessment takes place throughout the course with formal assessments taking place at the end of each unit. In S4 candidates submit to the SQA two examples of Critical Activity (one Expressive, one Design) and Expressive Examination work for external assessment. Design work is internally assessed with external moderation. Candidates are awarded three grades by the SQA (Expressive, Design, Critical) which combine to provide their final grade.

Homework

Homework is both written and practical. Drafts of Critical Activities are written as homework. Portfolios are provided to enable pupils to carry practical work home to work on.

Further information is available from any member of the Art & Design staff

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Higher and Intermediate 2 Art and Design

Entry Requirements

The content of the two courses is the same. Entry to the courses is negotiable and the level at which you are presented should be discussed with your teacher.

Course Content

Students will be involved in three activities :-

Expressive

drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking

Design

graphic or product design

Art & Design Studies

the study of the work of artists & designers

During the course, students will compile portfolios of Expressive and Design classwork which will be sent to the SQA for external assessment.

Art & Design Studies relate directly to practical work being undertaken and consist of homework tasks and classwork.

The skills developed in these activities are :-

Media Handling
Use of Visual Elements
Expression of Ideas
Communication of Design Solution

Assessment

Assessment takes the form of :-

• Interim reviews of practical work (internal assessments to inform students of progress)
• Review of practical work (internal, end of course assessment on which estimate grades are    based)
• Portfolios sent to SQA (external assessment)
• Practical Assignment (practical exam, sent to SQA for assessment)
• Examination (Art & Design Studies written exam - external assessment)

There are also Prelim Exams in both Art & Design Studies and Practical Assignment.

Homework

Homework is both written and practical. Art & Design Studies consist mainly of homework tasks. Regular practical homework is also required.

Further information is available from any Art teacher

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Advanced Higher Art and Design

Entry Requirements

Entry to the course requires Higher Art & Design.

Course Content

At Advanced Higher level students are required to specialise in one area of study :-

Either

Expressive

(drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking)
with Art & Design Studies
(study of relevant artists and their work)

OR

Design

(graphics, product, fashion)
with Art & Design Studies
(study of relevant designers and their work)

During the course students will compile portfolios of either expressive or design work which is based on a theme or subject of their choice. The theme should be of personal interest and one which the individual student can research.

Art & Design Studies relates directly to the practical work being undertaken.

The skills developed on this course are :

Media Handling
Use of Visual Elements
Expression of Ideas
Communication of Design Solution

Assessment

Assessment consists of regular interim reviews of work to inform students of progress and, at the end of the course, completed portfolios are sent to SQA for external assessment. There is no formal exam.

Further details available from any Art & Design teacher

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