National 5 Art & Design in a Nutshell

Purpose

The aims of the course are to enable learners to:

develop knowledge of art and design practice by studying artists and designers and their work. 

develop an understanding of expressive and design processes and accumulate and use a selection of related skills. 

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding of relevant CfE experiences and outcomes or equivalent qualifications and/or experience of National 4 Art and Design. 

Course Content

The course comprises two areas of study: 

Expressive 

This part of the course helps learners plan, research and develop creative expressive work in response to a theme/stimulus. Learners develop knowledge and understanding of artists’ working practices and the social, cultural and other influences affecting their work and practice. They select a theme/stimulus and produce 2D/3D analytical drawings, studies and investigative research, and use this to produce a single line of development leading to a final piece. Learners reflect on and evaluate their creative process and the visual qualities of their work. 

Design 

This part of the course helps learners plan, research and develop creative design work in response to a design brief. Learners develop knowledge and understanding of designers’ working practices and the social, cultural and other influences affecting their work and practice. They select a design brief and compile a variety of 2D/3D investigative material and market research and use this to produce a single line of development leading to a design solution. Learners reflect on and evaluate their creative process and the aesthetic and functional qualities of their work.

Course Assessment

Learners will be assessed through a portfolio and a question paper. In the portfolio, learners will produce one piece of expressive art work and one design solution which will be marked on both the process and products of learning. The question paper demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of art and design practice in an extended-response format.

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Progression

The course or its units may provide progression to:

• other qualifications in Art and Design or related areas 

• further study, employment and/or training

Higher Art & Design in a Nutshell

Purpose

The aims of the course are to enable learners to:

• communicate personal thoughts, feelings and ideas through the creative use of art and design materials, techniques and/or technology 

• analyse a range of art and design practice and critically reflect on the impact of external factors on artists and designers and their work 

• plan, develop, produce and present creative art and design work 

• develop personal creativity, using problem solving, critical thinking and reflective practice skills 

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience: 

National 5 Art and Design Course or relevant component Units 

Course Content

Expressive Activity

This Unit helps learners to develop their personal thoughts and ideas in visual form. In the Unit, learners will develop critical understanding of artists’ working practices and the social and cultural influences affecting their work. They will select stimuli and produce investigative drawings and studies. They will develop and refine their expressive ideas and artwork, experimenting with and using a range of materials, techniques and/or technology in 2D and/or 3D formats in response to the stimuli.

Design Activity

In this Unit learners will plan, research and develop creative design work in response to a design brief. They will develop their creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills as they consider complex design opportunities, and work to resolve design issues and constraints. In the Unit, learners will develop critical understanding of designers’ working practices and the social and cultural influences affecting their work. They will develop and refine their design ideas by experimenting with and using a range of materials techniques and/or technology in 2D and/or 3D formats.

Course Assessment

Learners will be assessed through a portfolio and a question paper. In the portfolio, learners will produce one piece of expressive art work and one design solution. The question paper adds value by requiring integration and application of skills, knowledge and understanding of art and design practice from across the Units.

The course assessment is graded A - D.

Progression

The course or its units may provide progression to:

other qualifications in Art and Design or related areas 

further study, employment and/or training

This qualification is designed to develop knowledge and understanding in Photography. 

Structure

There are 4 mandatory units:

• Understanding Photography

• Photographing People

• Photographing Places

• Working with photographs

Assessment

THis course is internally assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the year. There is no final exam. 

Achievement of the qualification is on a pass / fail basis. Pupils are required to pass each of the four units.

A pass in this course is equivalent to a grade C pass in National 5. 

NPA Jewellery: Basic Techniques 1

Explore your creative side and learn how to make your own jewellery. The NPA Jewellery: Basic Techniques 1 at SCQF Level 5 is a hands-on course designed to introduce you to the exciting world of jewellery design and craftsmanship.

In this course, you’ll learn the basics of jewellery-making, including:

-        Marking Out: Preparing your designs with precision.

-        Piercing: Cutting and shaping materials into unique pieces.

-        Manufacturing Techniques: Bringing your creative ideas to life.

You’ll work in a workshop environment, using tools and materials to create your own 3D designs while following essential safety protocols. This is a perfect choice if you’re interested in art, design, or learning practical skills for a creative career.

This course would suit individuals who:

-          Enjoy working with precision and care, which is essential for jewellery-making.

-          Have an interest in art, design, and craftwork.

-          Would like to combine creativity with technical skills.

-          Enjoy hands-on, practical learning and want to develop skills in a creative field.

-          Considering a future in jewellery, design, or related industries.

National 5 Music in a Nutshell

Purpose

The course aims to enable candidates to:

• perform music

• create original music using compositional methods

• broaden their knowledge and understanding of music and musical literacy by listening to music and identifying level-specific music concepts, signs and symbols

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, learners would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding of relevant CfE experiences and outcomes or equivalent qualifications and/or experience of National 4 Music. 

Course Content

Learners develop their performing skills on two selected instruments, or on one selected instrument and voice through regular practice and self-reflection.

Learners experiment with and use music concepts in creative ways, within a range of compositional methods, as they compose original music and self-reflect on their creative choices. 

Through listening, learners develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of music styles, level-specific concepts, sign and symbols used in music notation.

Course Assessment

Learners will be assessed through a performance of a programme of music, a composition assignment and a question paper which demonstrates knowledge and understanding of music, music concepts and musical literacy.

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Progression

The course or its units may provide progression to:

other qualifications in Music or related areas 

further study, employment and/or training

Careers

A possible career could be anything related to the music industry directly – performing; teaching; composing; recording music; music publishing; retailing of music books or instruments; printing, etc.

Musical skills can be very helpful in many careers, such as primary/nursery teaching; occupational therapy and some aspects of social/community work. 

A knowledge of music can also enhance careers related to dance or drama.

Higher Music in a Nutshell

Purpose

The aims of the course are to enable learners to:

• develop performing skills in solo and/or group settings on their two selected instruments or on one instrument and voice 

• perform challenging music with sufficient accuracy while maintaining the musical flow 

• create original music using compositional methods and music concepts creatively when composing, arranging or improvising 

• broaden their knowledge and understanding of music and musical literacy by listening to music and identifying a range of music signs, symbols and music concepts 

• critically reflect on and evaluate their own work and that of others 

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience of National 5 Music

Course Content

Performing Skills

In this Unit, learners will develop performing skills on two selected instruments, or on one selected instrument and voice. They will perform challenging level-specific (Grade 4) music with sufficient accuracy and will maintain the musical flow realising the composers’ intentions. Learners will, through regular practice and critical self-reflection and evaluation, develop their technical and musical performing skills. 

Composing Skills

In this Unit, learners will experiment with, and use complex compositional methods and music concepts to realise their intentions when creating original music. Learners will critically reflect on and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of their choices and decisions on their music. They will also analyse how musicians and composers create music in different ways and the influences on their music.

Understanding Music

In this Unit, through listening, learners will develop detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of level specific music concepts, and music literacy. They will analyse the impact of social and cultural influences on the development of specific music styles and level-specific music concepts in excerpts of music, and music signs and symbols used in notated music.

Course Assessment

Added Value Unit Assessment

Learners will be assessed through a performance of a programme of music and a question paper which demonstrates a depth of knowledge and understanding of music, music concepts and musical literacy.

The course assessment is graded A - D.

Progression

The course or its units may provide progression to:

• other qualifications in Music or related areas 

• further study, employment and/or training

Careers

A possible career could be anything related to the music industry directly – performing; teaching; composing; recording music; music publishing; retailing of music books or instruments; printing, etc.

Musical skills can be very helpful in many careers, such as primary/nursery teaching; occupational therapy and some aspects of social/community work. 

A knowledge of music can also enhance careers related to dance or drama.

National 5 Music Technology in a Nutshell

Purpose

The course aims to enable candidates to:

• use music technology creatively in sound production in a range of contexts

• develop skills in the use of music technology hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio

• develop skills in the analysis of music in the context of a range of 20th and 21st century musical styles and genres

• develop an understanding of aspects of the music industry, including a basic awareness of implications of intellectual property rights

• critically reflect on their work and that of others

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding of relevant CfE experiences and outcomes or equivalent qualifications and/or experience of National 4 Music Technology (although not mandatory). 

Course Content

Developing music technology skills

Throughout the course, learners will develop a range of skills and techniques relating to the creative use of music technology hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio. Learners will explore a range of uses of this technology through practical activities.

Music technology contexts

Throughout the course, learners gain experience in using music technology skills in a range of contexts such as live performance, radio broadcast, composing and/or sound design for film, TV themes, adverts and computer gaming.

Developing an understanding of 20th and 21st century music 

Throughout the course, learners will develop knowledge and understanding of 20th and 21st century styles and genres of music, and an understanding of how music technology has influenced and been influenced by developments in 20th and 21st century music. They develop an understanding of aspects of the music industry, including a basic awareness of the implications of intellectual property rights.

Course Assessment

Learners will be assessed through an assignment and a question paper. The assignment will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills to plan, implement and evaluate two completed creative sound productions. The question paper will assess breadth of knowledge and understanding of concepts related to music technology and 20th and 21st century music. 

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Progression

The course or its units may provide progression to:

• other qualifications in Music Technology or related areas 

• further study, employment and/or training

• degrees in music and audio technology and related disciplines

• careers in the creative music industries 

Higher Music Technology in a Nutshell

Purpose

The course aims to enable candidates to:  

• develop skills in the analysis of music in the context of 20th and 21st century musical styles and genres  

• develop a broad understanding of the music industry, including an awareness of the implications of intellectual property rights  

• develop skills in the use of music technology hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio  use music technology creatively in sound production in a range of contexts  

• critically reflect on their own work and that of others 

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding of relevant CfE experiences and outcomes or equivalent qualifications and/or experience of National 4 Music Technology (although not mandatory). 

Course Content

The course consists of three areas of study: 

Developing an understanding of 20th and 21st century music 

Candidates develop knowledge and understanding of 20th and 21st century styles and genres of music, and an understanding of how music technology has influenced, and been influenced by, developments in 20th and 21st century music and by key innovators. They develop an understanding of aspects of the music industry, including an understanding of the implications of, and the need to protect, intellectual property rights. They also develop listening skills, enabling them to identify a wide range of genres and styles and their main attributes, and a wide range of relevant music concepts in the context of 20th and 21st century music. 

Developing music technology skills 

Throughout the course, candidates develop a range of skills and techniques relating to the creative use of music technology hardware and software to capture and manipulate audio. These skills include selecting and using appropriate audio input devices and sources; applying microphone placement techniques; designing and constructing the signal path for multiple inputs; setting input gain and monitoring levels; overdubbing and editing tracks; applying creative and corrective equalisation, dynamics processing, time domain and other effects; applying a range of mixing techniques; and editing multiple takes into a single take. 

Music technology contexts 

Candidates gain experience in using a wide range of music technology skills to capture and manipulate audio and sequenced data, and mix down to an audio master in an appropriate file format, in a range of contexts such as radio broadcast, composing and/or sound design for film, audiobooks and computer gaming. Developing music technology skills

Course Assessment

Learners will be assessed through an assignment and a question paper. 

The question paper has 40 marks out of a total of 120 marks. This is scaled by SQA to represent 30% of the overall marks for the course assessment. 

The assignment allows candidates to demonstrate practical application of knowledge and skills from the course to plan, implement and evaluate a creative production using music technology. Candidates produce the audio for a film soundtrack, audiobook, radio broadcast, computer game or other similar context. 

The assignment has 80 marks out of a total of 120 marks. This is scaled by SQA to represent 70% of the overall marks for the course assessment. 

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Progression

The course or its units may provide progression to:

• other qualifications in Music Technology or related areas 

• further study, employment and/or training

• degrees in music and audio technology and related disciplines

• careers in the creative music industries 

This course is a new addition to the Expressive Arts Senior Phase offer. Course info will appear here shortly - in the meantime please speak to one of the Drama teachers or Mrs Birse, PT. 

National 5 Drama in a Nutshell

Purpose

The course aims to enable candidates to:

• generate and communicate thoughts and ideas when creating drama 

• develop a knowledge and understanding of a range of social and cultural influences on drama 

• develop a range of skills in presenting drama 

• develop knowledge and understanding of the use of a range of production skills when presenting drama 

• explore form, structure, genre and style 

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding of relevant CfE experiences and outcomes or equivalent qualifications and/or experience of National 4 Drama. 

Course Content

Throughout the course, learners explore and develop a range of drama skills and approaches to communicating thoughts and ideas to an audience. They develop a range of acting skills in relation to portraying characters. 

They learn how to respond to stimuli, including text, and develop knowledge, understanding and practical experience of form, structure, genre and conventions when creating and presenting drama. 

Learners generate ideas for presenting text using production areas. They explore and develop practical skills in a range of production areas. They apply these skills to enhance text when presenting. 

Learners develop knowledge and understanding of social and cultural influences on drama. They learn how to evaluate their own progress and the progress of others.

Course Assessment

Learners will be assessed through a performance and a question paper. The performance will involve creating and presenting a drama. The question paper will require demonstration of a depth of knowledge and understanding from the Course.  

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Progression

The course or its units may provide progression to:

• other qualifications in Drama or related areas 

• further study, employment and/or training

Higher Drama in a Nutshell

Purpose

The aims of the course are to enable learners to:

• generate and communicate thoughts and ideas when creating drama 

• develop a knowledge and understanding of the complex social and cultural influences on drama 

• develop complex skills in presenting drama 

• develop knowledge and understanding of complex production skills when presenting drama 

• explore form, structure, genre and style 

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be expected to have attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience: 

National 5 Drama Course or relevant component Units 

Course Content

Drama Skills

In this Unit, learners will explore and develop complex drama skills and ways of communicating thoughts and ideas to an audience. They will learn how to respond to text, including stimuli. They will also learn how to develop character in a range of ways and develop understanding of form, structure, genre and style when creating and presenting drama. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the social and cultural influences on drama. They will also learn how to evaluate their own progress and that of other learners.

Production Skills

In this Unit, learners will develop complex production skills. They will use these skills to enhance drama when presenting. Learners will use problem-solving skills in order to generate ideas for presenting drama.

Course Assessment

Learners will be assessed through a performance and a question paper. The performance will involve creating and presenting a drama. The question paper will require demonstration of a depth of knowledge and understanding from the Course.  

The course assessment is graded A - D.

Progression

The course or its units may provide progression to:

• other qualifications in Drama or related areas 

• further study, employment and/or training

This course will run as a bi-level course with Higher Music. It is suitable for pupils who are on track to achieve a grade A or B at Higher level.

The Advanced Higher Art and Design course focuses on developing a personal approach to creative work through a combination of practical, critical, and theoretical components. Students are required to explore a broad range of materials, techniques, and methods to produce a range of artwork and design projects.

The course is divided into two main components:

1. Portfolio Development: This involves the creation of a body of work that showcases the student’s ability to experiment, develop, and refine ideas, supported by a personal investigation and research.

2. Critical and Contextual Studies: Students engage with the work of other artists and designers, and use this knowledge to inform their own practice. They are also required to write a critical analysis, reflecting on their work and the work of others.

The course culminates in a final exhibition of the student’s work, which is assessed by both teachers and external markers. The course aims to develop independent thinking, creative problem-solving, and an understanding of art and design in a cultural and historical context.

This course is only suitable for pupils who are on track to achieve a grade A or a strong B at Higher level.