S3 Art & Design:
Reporting Window 1

The topics we have covered in this reporting window are:

Expressive

·   Artist Research – Term One

Learners have developed their knowledge and understanding of artist style and techniques. Learners have taken on an independent research project focused on an artist of their choice. In this project pupils sought out information on their chosen artists and relayed this into a folder cover featuring their own initial. Pupils focused on art history timelines, painting techniques, styles of art and specific information on the life and work of their chosen artist. Learners have continued to develop control of materials (pencil, watercolour paint and coloured pen) and have explored different aspects of the visual elements.

·       Portraiture – Term One (Miss Johnston) Term Two (Mrs Hunter)

Learners have studied portraiture through the work of Noel Badges Pugh and developed skills in observing and applying accurate proportions, ensuring features are balanced and realistically positioned. This has challenged the learners to focus on precision using measuring techniques to capture facial features correctly. Additionally, learners gained media handling skills by exploring Pugh’s use of watercolour and ink to create depth and texture. This approach encourages experimentation with blending and layering building confidence in using different materials while creating lifelike expressive portraits.

Design

·       Packaging Design – Term One (Mrs Hunter)

Learners developed key design skills when studying the chocolate brand COCO, creating bold, eye-catching compositions that balance aesthetics and functionality. Through techniques such as print making, collage, line drawing and mark making, they explored texture, pattern and layering to create these designs. These methods encourage creative freedom while teaching students to harmonise different elements that reflect the brands identity.

·       Logo Design – Term Two (Miss Johnston)

Learners were tasked to design a STEM logo for the school science department, complete with constraints and strict timeframes. Individuals developed their understanding of typography through researching and recording the six main categories. Learners applied their understanding of typography, layout and creative concepts in developing a series of logos to be presented to the science department. Through this process students gained a real-life experience of the work of a graphic designer and the opportunity to contribute to the wider school in a way that enhanced their creativity.

Course Overview

The majority of work covered in S3 Art & Design is based around CfE Level 4 outcomes.
Learners working below this level continue to be offered classroom support with CfE Level 4/3 content to ensure progression in learning.

Working Level and Working Grade descriptions for S3 Art & Design:

Fourth A: Making excellent progress in CfE level 4. Learners work well independently and confidently experiment with a range of media and technologies, handling them with excellent control and assurance to create images and objects. Learners consistently apply understanding of the properties of media and of techniques to specific tasks and demonstrate key skills required, showing excellent attention to detail and depth of understanding.  Projects are completed to an excellent standard. Learners are confident in analysing art and design techniques, making informed judgements and expressing their opinions on their own and others’ work confidently.

Fourth B: Making good progress in CfE level 4. Learners often work well independently and experiment with a range of media and technologies, handling them with good control and assurance to create images and objects. Learners apply good understanding of the properties of media and of techniques to specific tasks and demonstrate key skills required, showing good attention to detail and depth of understanding. Projects are completed to a good standard. Learners can analyse art and design techniques, make informed judgements and express opinions on their own and others’ work well.

Fourth C: Making reasonable progress in CfE level 4 but finds some aspects of the course challenging. Learner’s experiment and handle some media and technologies but can find them challenging to handle them to create images and objects. Learners apply some understanding of techniques to specific tasks and demonstrate some skills required, showing some attention to detail and depth of understanding. Projects are completed to a reasonable standard. Learners are making reasonable progress in analysing art and design techniques, making informed judgements, and expressing their opinions on their own and others’ work but can find often find it challenging.

Fourth D: Making some progress in CfE level 4 but finds many aspects of the course challenging. Learners can require support with experimenting and handles of materials and technologies to create images and objects. Learners apply basic understanding of techniques to specific tasks and demonstrate basic skills required, showing little attention to detail and depth of understanding. Projects are completed to a basic standard or can often be incomplete. Learners find analysing art and design techniques, making informed judgements and expressing their own opinions on their own and others’ work challenging.

Third A to D: While continuing to experience CfE Level 4 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.

At this stage in the Art & Design curriculum, pupils on a pathway towards achieving SCQF Level 5 in S4 will be working at Fourth B or above. 

Further information, including an overview for all subject areas can be found here.