Art & Design
Higher
Course Overview
The Course has an integrated approach to learning, and includes a mix of practical learning and analysis of art and design practice.
In the Course learners will draw upon their detailed understanding of art and design work and practice as they experiment with using a range of selected art and design materials, techniques and/or technology to develop their own creative ideas. Learners will develop a range of complex problem solving skills, and a critical understanding of the impact of social, cultural and other external factors on artists’ and designers’ work and practice.
The Higher Art and Design course is a natural development of work done in previous years. The three-element approach is maintained but there is an increased emphasis on investigation and personal response.
Expressive work represents the “Fine Art” domain. In it pupils are encouraged to express their own ideas, thoughts and emotions through various two and three-dimensional media. This is linked, in the first instance, to research drawings and studies on a chosen theme.
Design work is essentially a problem-solving activity in which responses are made to a negotiated brief through an established design process, with the end product of a credible, tangible solution. These activities stimulate the imagination and encourage a thoughtful, cogent approach to the whole field of Design.
In the Critical component pupils study the artefacts of contemporary and historical artists and designers. Art Gallery visits, research techniques and direct instruction are used to establish and improve pupils’ abilities in expressing critical ideas in a clear, logical and readable form.
Faculty Principal Teacher
Mrs E Nicol
Assessment Methods
Design – Pupils produce a folio of design work based on personal themes. Ideas are generated, explored and refined prior to documenting in a portfolio of work which is externally assessed by the SQA and counts as 38% of final grade.
Expressive – An expressive folio based on a theme of personal interest and using media of the candidate’s choice is produced in class. This is externally assessed by the SQA and counts as 38% of final grade.
Critical – Investigative content is produced preparing pupils for an external examination paper on Critical Studies covering Expressive and Design subject areas and counts as % of final grade.
Entry Requirements
A National 5 A or B pass is recommended, combined with commitment and drive. This is a demanding course which requires high practical skills, creativity and the ability to work independently through self-motivation.
Recommended Next Steps in S6
A/B Pass:
Advanced Higher Art & Design
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