S1 Art & Design:
Reporting Window 1

The topics we have covered in this reporting window are:

Observational Skills

• Leonardo da Vinci (Feathers and Skulls) – Term One

Learners have developed observational skills and explored the importance of observation within Art & Design. Learners have had the opportunity to explore different types of materials and how to use these successfully. Learners have developed control of tonal pencils and watercolour paint whilst furthering their understanding of line and tone.

This project has also allowed S1 to experience design outcomes and produce a final design solution. Focusing on the knowledge of Leonardo Da Vinci they have learned during their expressive project, pupils created a modern day design solution that celebrated the life and achievements of this historical figure. 

Elements of Art

• Visual Elements - Term Two

Following on from developing their observational skills, learners have been able to explore the visual elements within Art & Design and how to use them successfully, this has been achieved through observational drawing of ice creams and exploring the bright work of pop artist Wayne Thiebaud with Mrs Hunter or designing sugar skulls while exploring the Day of the Dead festival with Miss Johnston. Learners have explored a variety of drawing techniques using different art materials and are creating a painting through mixing the primary colours into secondary and tertiary colours, tints and shades. Through this learners are developing an understanding of colour theory working with a limited palette which encourages them to explore and create the many colours they need to complete their artwork.

Course Overview

The majority of work covered in S1 Art and Design is based around CfE Level 3 outcomes. The majority of learners at this stage of S1 are working at Third B or above. Learners working below this level continue to be offered classroom support with CfE Level 3 content to ensure progression in learning.

Working Level and Working Grade descriptions for S1 Art:

Third A: Making excellent progress in Art & Design. Learners work well independently and can consistently demonstrate key skills required, showing excellent attention to detail and depth of understanding of observational skills and the use of visual elements within Art & Design.

Third B: Making good progress in Art & Design. Learners can often work well independently and can demonstrate good key skills required, showing good attention to detail and depth of understanding of observational skills and visual elements within Art & Design.

Third C: Making reasonable progress in Art & Design but finds some aspects of the course challenging. Learners can demonstrate some key skills required but can sometimes lack the knowledge and understanding to implement further skills, showing some understanding of observational skills and visual elements within Art & Design.

Third D: Making some progress in Art & Design but finds many aspects of the course challenging. Learners can often require support with practical work and reinforcement of key skills. Projects are completed to a basic standard or can often be incomplete within Art & Design.

Second A to D: While continuing to be exposed to CfE Level 3 outcomes the majority of the work can be very challenging, and most tasks require further explanation and to be broken down into smaller, simplified versions in order to make progress and build confidence.