Expressive Arts
Subject Progression
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Art and Design
Art and Design features in many aspects of our everyday lives, from the advertising posters we see on our streets to the special effects we see in films. Almost everything we see or touch has been designed to be visually attractive including mobile phones, clothes, cars, buildings and websites.
The skills that you develop in Art and Design are useful in many different careers, such as architecture, interior design, fashion and textiles, graphics, web design, photography and engineering.
National 4
The National 4 and 5 Art and Design courses are practical and experiential. The key focus is creativity. The course combines developing knowledge and understanding of artists and designers and their work, with practical learning experiences.
The course encourages learners to experiment with using art and design materials, be imaginative, creative, think critically, and apply practical skills in response to art and design activities. It will also develop learners’ understanding of artistic and cultural values, identities and ideas.
The course allows learners to broaden and deepen their skills base, to widen their horizons regarding a range of vocations and careers and to develop attributes and capabilities of the four capacities. Throughout the course, learners will develop creativity, perseverance, independence and resilience.
Course Content
The course units for Nat 4 are: Expressive Activity and Design Activity plus the Art and Design Practical Activity Value Added unit.
Assessment
At Nat 4, units are assessed internally by your teacher in accordance with SQA guidelines.
Progression
From National 4 to National 5.
National 5
Entry Requirements:
Learners who have achieved Level 4 in the BGE or National 4 Art and Design Course.
Course details:
The course has three sections:
The Expressive Folio will develop learners’ personal thoughts and ideas in visual form. Learners will select stimuli and produce investigative drawings. They will explore one line of development using a range of materials, techniques and/or technology in 2D and/or 3D formats. A final outcome will be produced and an evaluation completed.
The Design Folio will develop learners’ ability to plan, research and develop creative design work in response to a design brief. Learners will develop their problems solving and critical thinking skills as they consider complex design opportunities, and work to resolve design issues and constraints. They will explore one line of development using a range of materials, techniques and/or technology in 2D and/or 3D formats. A final solution will be produced and an evaluation completed.
The Question Paper focuses on the learners’ knowledge and understanding of artists’ and designers’ work and practice and completes the external assessment.
Assessment:
Expressive Folio: 100 Marks (externally marked by the SQA.)
Design Folio: 100 Marks (externally marked by the SQA.)
Question Paper: 50 Marks - 1 hour 30 mins (externally marked by the SQA.)
Progression
National 5 to Higher
Higher
The course provides opportunities for learners to be inspired and creatively challenged as they explore how to visually represent and communicate their personal thoughts, ideas and feelings through their work.
Entry Requirements
Learners who have achieved an A or B pass for the National 5 Art and Design course. In addition, it is strongly advisable that pupils who intend to undertake this course have achieved an A or B pass for National 5 English.
Course details
The course has three sections:
The Expressive Folio will develop learners’ personal thoughts and ideas in visual form. Learners will select stimuli and produce investigative drawings. They will explore one line of development using a range of materials, techniques and/or technology in 2D and/or 3D formats. A final outcome will be produced and an evaluation completed.
The Design Folio will develop learners’ ability to plan, research and develop creative design work in response to a design brief. Learners will develop their problems solving and critical thinking skills as they consider complex design opportunities, and work to resolve design issues and constraints. They will explore one line of development using a range of materials, techniques and/or technology in 2D and/or 3D formats. A final solution will be produced and an evaluation completed.
The Question Paper focuses on the learners’ knowledge and understanding of artists’ and designers’ work and practice and completes the external assessment.
Assessment
Expressive Folio: 100 Marks (externally marked by the SQA.)
Design Folio: 100 Marks (externally marked by the SQA.)
Question Paper: 2 hours (60 marks) (externally marked by the SQA.)
Progression
The Higher course is designed to provide progression to the Advanced Higher course.
Advanced Higher
Entry Requirements
This course is offered to pupils who have achieved the Higher Art and Design course with an A or B pass and whom teaching staff agree would be suitable to undertake the course in terms of work ethic, commitment and ability.
Course Details
Learners will choose either an Expressive or Design route through the course, which involves selecting an area of personal study with relevant stimuli. Investigative research will be the starting point to further develop their ideas in more detail using a variety of approaches and demonstrating skill and understanding of materials / media and technique. They will produce a portfolio comprising a minimum of eight single-sided A1 sheets (or equivalent). The maximum must not exceed 16 single-sided A1 sheets (or equivalent). A written critical analysis (up to 2000 words) on an artist/designer linked to their practical work and a 400 word evaluation completes the portfolio.
Assessment
The portfolio is worth 100 marks and is externally assessed by the SQA. This is 100% of the overall marks for the course assessment.
The portfolio has three sections.
Practical Folio: 64 marks.
Contextual Analysis: 30 marks.
Evaluation: 6 marks.
Progression
The practical work produced may be used as the basis for a portfolio and further study at an Art based College / University. The higher order thinking skills required for this course are transferable and valued in many different subject areas.
Additional folio work
All Advanced Higher students are expected to complete folio work in addition to class time. This level of commitment is absolutely necessary to achieve success at this level. This can take a variety of forms; non contact periods, lunchtime, after school, at home. Students are expected to visit relevant exhibitions and galleries throughout the year and keep sketchbooks showing visual thinking, inspirations, notes, cut outs, etc.
Photography
(NPA) Levels 4&5
Entry Requirements
These National Progression Awards are aimed at those who want to explore their interest in photography, increase their understanding and develop their skills in practical photography and in working with photographs. The courses do not rely on specialist photographic equipment and can be completed using a basic camera or digital device with a camera.
Course Details
The course offers an introduction to photography and will focus on:
The Essentials: Basic camera controls / composition and lighting
Downloading / Storage and Computer Manipulation
The aim is to provide learners with the basic knowledge and skills required to undertake the course units. Learners should aim to further develop this knowledge and these skills as the course progresses.
Unit 1: Understanding Photography & Working with Photographs
This unit offers learners an opportunity to gain knowledge of photographic styles and genres, as well as learning about the working approaches of chosen photographers. Learners will become familiar with how to use appropriate photographic terminology to express opinions about their own and others photographic work.
Learners will use the skills and knowledge gained in The Essentials as a starting point to undertake mini projects to establish a technical platform from which to progress with more specific photographic tasks in unit 2.
Unit 2: Photographing People and Places
This unit will require a personal exploration of various interior and exterior settings with a focus on approaches to composition and lighting. Learners will look at various approaches to photographing the figure with the use of photographic techniques to communicate expression and mood, with consideration to the relationship between the figure(s) and setting. Photo shoots will be carried out during class activities with the majority completed in their own time.
Learners will be required to plan photo shoots based on prior research and the work of chosen photographers. The working process will involve image selection and manipulation, as learners work towards unit presentations. Identification of areas of success and improvement will be required, supported by image description, analysis and evaluation of practice.
Assessment:
All units are internally assessed against unit requirements on a PASS/FAIL basis
Evidence will be a combination of practical, written and oral.
Progression
The course is designed to provide progression to the Higher Photography course.
Higher
The course encourages learners to be inspired and challenged by visually representing their personal thoughts and ideas through the medium of photography.
Entry Requirements
This course is for S5/6 learners who are enthusiastic and willing to work independently and conscientiously. A great deal of the photography will take place out of school in your own time, to be brought back into school and worked on in the computer suite/Art and Design dept using Photoshop. Some experience in Art and Design is preferable but not essential. If you can satisfy us that you have the necessary skills/aptitude to take part in this course then you may be offered a place. It is advisable that learners should have acquired (or intend to undertake) English at National 5 or preferably Higher level.
Course details
Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of image formation, camera controls, exposure and composition to use creatively for photographic effect. They will explore and experiment with a variety of photographic techniques, technology and processes, and use their understanding and knowledge of the work of photographers when considering their own personal, creative approaches to photography.
Assessment
Practical Folio: 100 Marks (externally marked by the SQA.) comprising evidence of research and investigation, development of photographic approaches and techniques with production of 12 final images and a 500 word evaluation based on personal judgements.
Question paper: 30 Marks (1 hour - externally marked by the SQA.) Multiple choice and extended response questions
Progression
The course may provide progression to other qualifications in Photography, Art and Design or related areas, further study, employment and/or training.
Drama
Drama is a predominantly practical subject which develops your creativity, imagination and ability to work as part of a group. It is particularly suitable for those who want to deepen their understanding of the world around them and communicate their ideas to an audience.
The skills gained in Drama are highly transferable and would be beneficial to a career in a variety of sectors including: communications and media, theatre, film, radio, costume design, business production, writing and teaching.
National 4
In the National 4 course you will develop drama and production skills to create performances in a variety of forms and styles. In addition, you will work as part of a group to realise scripted dramas; developing your voice and movement skills and application of production skills.
National 5
In the National 5 course you will develop drama and production skills to create performances in a variety of forms and styles. In addition, you will work as part of a group to realise scripted dramas; developing your voice and movement skills and application of production skills.
Assessment:
Written Exam: 40%
Performance assessed by a visiting SQA assessor: 60%
Higher
The Higher Drama Course develops skills in creating and presenting drama. You will develop and use complex drama skills and production skills to present drama.
You will analyse scripts and live performance with consideration of the social, political and cultural influences on theatre.
Assessment
Written Exam: 40%
Practical Performance Exam assessment by a visiting SQA assessor: 60%
Progression
This course provides opportunities for progression to Advanced Higher and to other SQA qualifications in Drama and related fields.
Music
Learners studying Music are well placed to develop skills for life, learning and work. In addition to developing general musicianship skills, you will develop in the following areas: working individually; self-discipline; time management skills; understanding the value of perseverance; teamwork; creative thinking and problem solving; listening skills; self-expression; cultural understanding; social skills; target setting and reflective thinking.
National 4
This course is intended for pupils who wish to develop overall musicianship as performers, composers and listeners. This aim is served by three elements: Performing, Composing and Listening. Through these activities, pupils will develop their vocal and instrumental skills, explore sounds and musical concepts, and use their imagination and skills to create musical ideas and compositions.
Pupils can further develop their understanding and capacity to enjoy music through listening to musical performances and commenting on them. Pupils will use ICT to realise or enhance their composition and performance and to promote their understanding of how music works.
Learners will develop performing skills in solo and/or group settings on two selected instruments or one instrument and voice. The minimum standard of piece to be performed is ABRSM Grade 2 (or equivalent) for National 4. Added Value is by means of a live performance.
Course Content
The course consists of three elements.
Performing Skills - Learners develop performing skills on two selected instruments or one instrument and voice.
Composing Skills - Learners will experiment with and use compositional methods and music concepts in imaginative ways when creating their own music.
Understanding Music Through listening - Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of music concepts and music literacy.
National 5
This course is intended for pupils who wish to develop overall musicianship as performers, composers and listeners. This aim is served by three elements: Performing, Composing and Listening. Through these activities, pupils will develop their vocal and instrumental skills, explore sounds and musical concepts, and use their imagination and skills to create musical ideas and compositions.
Pupils can further develop their understanding and capacity to enjoy music through listening to musical performances and commenting on them. Pupils will use ICT to realise or enhance their composition and performance and to promote their understanding of how music works.
Learners will develop performing skills in solo and/or group settings on two selected instruments or one instrument and voice. The minimum standard of piece to be performed is ABRSM Grade 3 (or equivalent) for National 5. Added Value is by means of a live performance.
Course Content
The course consists of three elements.
Performing Skills - Learners develop performing skills on two selected instruments or one instrument and voice.
Composing Skills - Learners will experiment with and use compositional methods and music concepts in imaginative ways when creating their own music.
Understanding Music Through listening - Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of music concepts and music literacy.
Assessment
At National 5 level external assessment consists of a final Listening exam (35%), in which students will be asked to identify specific features and answer questions focusing on music literacy. They must also give a live performance to a Visiting Examiner during February/March. Students will perform on their chosen 2 instruments or instrument/voice for 8 minutes (a minimum of 2 minutes on any one instrument). The performance may be either solo and/or in a group and is worth 50% of the overall final grade in Music. An original Composition will be sent to SQA for external marking. This is worth 15% of the overall final grade.
Progression
From National 5 to Higher
Higher
This course allows you to develop and consolidate practical skills in performing and creating music, while developing a detailed understanding of a range of music styles and concepts.
You will get the opportunity to perform a variety of challenging music in solo and/or group settings, using your own voice or your selected instrument (s). You will develop detailed knowledge and understanding of music concepts and musical literacy. You will recognise and distinguish between a wide range of music signs, symbols and music concepts as you perform, create and listen to music.
The skills you learn on this course not only make a valuable contribution to your general education and personal development but also allow you to develop the skills and knowledge required to proceed to further study and/or follow a career in music.
Recommended entry
Pupils would normally be expected to have passed National 5 music or relevant component Units. It is recommended that any pupil who has no experience of music in the Junior Phase and/or does not have National 5, to be proficient on two instruments, or one instrument and voice, at Grade 4 level or above in order to be able to perform a programme of 12 mins in length.
Course Content
The course consists of three elements.
Performing Skills - Learners develop performing skills on two selected instruments or one instrument and voice.
Composing Skills - Learners will experiment with, and creatively use complex compositional methods and music concepts at Higher level to realise their intentions when creating original music.
Understanding Music Through listening - Learners will develop detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of complex music concepts and music literacy.
Assessment
At Higher level external assessment consists of a final Listening exam (35%), in which students will be asked to identify specific features and answer questions focusing on music literacy. They must also give a live performance to a Visiting Examiner during February/March. Students will perform on their chosen 2 instruments or instrument/voice for 12 minutes. The performance may be either solo and/or in a group and is worth 50% of the overall final grade in Music. An original Composition will be sent to SQA for external marking; this is worth 15% of the overall final grade.
Progression
From Higher to Advanced Higher
Advanced Higher
The Advanced Higher Music Course develops learners' skills in performing, creating, understanding and analysing music. Learners develop the skills they need to perform challenging music with musical, and technical, accuracy and fluency while realising composers' intentions. Learners will also develop their own composing skills.
Recommended Entry
Candidates would normally be expected to have attained Higher Music or equivalent.
Course Content
The course consists of three units and the course assessment unit.
Performing Skills - You will prepare a programme lasting 18 minutes on two instruments. An examiner from SQA will visit at some time in May / June.
Composing Skills - You will submit a folio containing audio recordings of compositions, each supported by a score or performance plan and by a programme note.
Understanding Music - You will sit a listening examination designed to test knowledge and understanding of concepts and musical literacy. You will prepare a written commentary on 2 or more musical works.
Homework
Homework consists of regular instrumental/vocal practice, composition and concept recognition using CD ROMs and websites approved by SQA.
Assessment
At Advanced Higher level external assessment consists of a final Listening exam (35%), in which students will be asked to identify specific features and answer questions focusing on music literacy. They must also give a live performance to a Visiting Examiner during May/June. Students will perform on their chosen 2 instruments or instrument/voice for 18 minutes. The performance may be either solo and/or in a group and is worth 50% of the overall final grade in Music. An original Composition will be sent to SQA for external marking; this is worth 15% of the overall final grade.
Progression
Successful completion of this course may lead to:
Further/Higher Education – HNC, HND, Degree
Employment in the Performing Arts Industry
Music Technology
National 5
The National 5 Music Technology course is very practical and allows you to:
Use music technology creatively to design and create sound for your own video game, short movie, radio broadcast, audiobook and multitrack recording
Create your own unique sound effects using microphones and source sounds online
Use Virtual Instruments and MIDI Keyboards
Edit and add effects to these sounds using our Music Technology software Cubase
Learn about 20th and 21st century popular musical styles and genres
Develop an understanding of the music industry, including intellectual property rights
Music Technology Contexts - You use music technology skills to record and edit audio in a range of contexts such as live instrument recording, sound design for film, audiobooks, radio broadcasts and computer gaming.
Music Technology Skills - You will learn how to use hardware and software to record audio from a range of sources by exploring different recording techniques. You also learn how to edit audio by experimenting with and applying effects.
20th and 21st Century Popular Music - You will learn about the technological advancements in 20th and 21st century music by gaining understanding of music concepts, styles and genres. You also develop your listening skills in order to identify particular genres and their attributes.
Assessment
There are two externally assessed components:
Practical Assignment = 2 projects worth 70% of the overall grade
Listening Question Paper = Worth 30% of the overall grade
Higher
The Higher Music Technology course is very practical and allows you to:
Use music technology creatively to design and create sound for your own video game, short movie, radio broadcast, audiobook and multitrack recording
Record and multitrack live musical instruments
Create your own unique sounds effects using microphones and also source sounds online
Use Virtual Instruments and MIDI Keyboards
Edit and add effects to these sounds
Learn about more 20th and 21st century popular musical styles and genres
Enhance an understanding of the music industry and intellectual property rights
Course Content
Music Technology Contexts - You use prior knowledge and experience to record and edit audio in a range of contexts such as multitrack recording, sound design for film, audiobooks, radio broadcasts and computer gaming.
Music Technology Skills - You will record audio from a range of sources by exploring more advanced recording techniques. You also edit audio by experimenting with and applying effects.
20th and 21st Century Popular Music - You will learn about more technological advancements in 20th and 21st century music by gaining understanding of music concepts, styles and genres. You also develop your listening skills in order to identify particular genres and their attributes.
Assessment
There are two externally assessed components:
Practical Assignment = 1 project worth 70% of the overall grade
Listening Question Paper = Worth 30% of the overall grade
Progression
Successful completion of this course may lead to Further Education or Employment in:
The Creative Music Industry
Music and Audio Technology
Sound Design for Film and Television
Sound Engineering and Music Production
NPA Musical Theatre
The National Progression Award (NPA) in Musical Theatre (SCQF level 6) offers you the opportunity to develop your skills in the areas of acting, music and dance, all in the context of musical theatre. The NPA also provides the specific skills, knowledge and resources that may be called on when preparing for auditions for entry to musical theatre, drama or music courses and/or the theatre or performing arts profession.
Recommended Entry
There are no specific entry requirements but you should have performing skills broadly equivalent to SCQF level 4 to access this award. It would be beneficial if you had some previous experience of a either a drama, dance, music theatre Course or Units, either in a school/ college setting or, eg in youth or community arts performance.
Course Content
You need to successfully complete three units in order to achieve the NPA in Musical Theatre.
There is one mandatory Unit (at SCQF level 6):
Acting through Song
There are four optional Units from which you must choose two Units:
Theatre Performers: Solo Singing Skills
Theatre Performers: Group Singing Skills
Group Dance Performance
Preparation for Audition Arrangements Document: NPA in Musical Theatre
Assessment
This NPA in Musical Theatre will give you a platform which could allow you to progress into further education and on to a National Certificate or HNC programme or help you to be better equipped to work in the performing arts industry. This is a group award and you will need to work as a part of a group and individually to achieve the full award. Assessment is marked internally by staff.