National 4 Art and Design
In the National 4 Art and Design course learners will experiment with using art and design materials, techniques and/or technology in creative and expressive ways.
Learners will develop their critical thinking skills as they develop and produce their own creative work and develop their understanding of art and design practice.
At the Academy learners will be in a mixed class with National 4 and National 5 pupils. Learners will produce one expressive and one design portfolio and must produce critical evidence to pass.
How is National 4 different from National 5?
National 4 is internally assessed by the learners school.
National 4 pupils do not sit a critical exam but must produce critical evidence in class to pass.
Timeline
You will have 5 periods of Art and Design.
2 double periods of practical lessons and 1 period of Critical.
June – December Expressive Portfolio.
December – March Design Portfolio.
January - Practical Prelim.
Entry Requirements for Nat4
It is recommended that you have taken art in S3 and are working in or have achieved a level 3.
Nat4 Progression Routes
NPA Art and Design.
National 5 Art and Design.
Transferrable Skills
Creativity and Problem-Solving: Generating and refining ideas.
Communication Skills: Expressing concepts visually and verbally.
Time Management: Organizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Critical Thinking: Evaluating and improving work based on feedback.
Technical Proficiency: Using materials, tools, and techniques effectively.
Opportunities within Art and Design
Becoming a Creative Arts Captain.
Showcasing your artwork at school Exhibitions.
Extra Curricular options
As an Art Captain, you have the opportunity to support BGE pupils in art clubs during lunchtime or after school by:
Guiding and inspiring younger students in their creative projects.
Sharing techniques and encouraging artistic exploration.
Leading engaging and inclusive art activities.
Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants.
Building leadership and mentoring skills while promoting a passion for art.
National 4 Design Repeat pattern
National 5 Art and Design
The National 5 Art and Design course combines investigative and practical learning, focusing on art and design practice.
Learners explore artists' and designers' work, develop their own creative processes, and reflect on their expressive and design portfolios.
The course includes three areas of study:
Expressive:
Candidates plan, research, and create expressive work based on a theme or stimulus. They learn about artists’ practices and the influences on their work, producing 2D/3D drawings and studies that lead to a final piece. Reflection and evaluation of the creative process and visual qualities are key.
Design:
Candidates develop creative design work in response to a brief. They explore designers' practices and influences, conduct market research, and create 2D/3D material to develop a design solution. Reflection and evaluation focus on the aesthetic and functional aspects of the work.
Critical :
The question paper assesses the learners ability to respond to prompts and images, demonstrate knowledge of artists’ and designers’ work, and comment on how social, cultural, and other influences affect their practice. It also tests the use of appropriate art and design vocabulary to discuss expressive elements.
Timeline:
You will have 5 periods of Art and Design.
2 double periods of practical lessons and 1 period of critical.
June – December Expressive Portfolio.
December – March Design Portfolio.
January - Critical and Practical Prelim.
May - Critical Exam.
Entry Requirements for National 5:
It is recommended that you have taken art in S3 and are working in or have achieved a level 4.
It is recommended that you are taking or have achieved National 5 English.
National 5 Progression Routes:
Higher Art and Design.
Higher Photography.
Transferrable Skills:
Creativity and Problem-Solving: Generating and refining ideas.
Communication Skills: Expressing concepts visually and verbally.
Time Management: Organizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Critical Thinking: Evaluating and improving work based on feedback.
Technical Proficiency: Using materials, tools, and techniques effectively.
Opportunities within Art and Design:
Becoming a Creative Arts Captain.
Showcasing your artwork at school Exhibitions.
Extra Curricular options:
As an Art Captain, you have the opportunity to support BGE pupils in art clubs during lunchtime or after school by:
Guiding and inspiring younger students in their creative projects.
Sharing techniques and encouraging artistic exploration.
Leading engaging and inclusive art activities.
Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants.
Building leadership and mentoring skills while promoting a passion for art.
Pupil Examples
