NPA Drawing and Painting

Art Department

The National Progression Awards (NPAs) in Drawing Skills, Painting, and Art and Design at SCQF Level 5 provide a structured approach to developing artistic skills. These awards cover practical and theoretical aspects of art and design. The class focuses on core skills like drawing, painting, and mixed media techniques, encouraging experimentation with materials and subjects. Pupils progress through research, investigation, and creative practice, culminating in finished works that showcase both technical ability and personal expression.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous assessment in class and production of completed outcomes for each unit details.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal student for the NPAs in Drawing Skills, Painting, and Art and Design is someone interested in the arts and eager to improve both their practical skills and knowledge. This course is perfect for pupils who enjoy experimenting with materials, techniques, and expressing themselves creatively. It's great for those thinking about a future in art and design, as it provides a solid foundation for further study or careers.

What you will learn

In Drawing and Painting you will learn to:

Express yourself creatively using various materials and techniques, developing your ability to draw in proportion, apply tone, consider materials etc.
Develop fine art skills
Think critically and analytically about the work of others and your own
Work independently and collaboratively on projects
Develop you work thematically and develop a strong portfolio

The skills you gain in Art and Design—creativity, technical ability, critical thinking, and problem-solving—are valuable not only for pursuing further studies in art or design, but for many careers that require creativity and innovation.

Future Pathways

A qualification in Art and Design offers a wide range of exciting career pathways, combining creativity with practical skills that are valued across many industries:

Fine Artist: Create original artwork in various media, sell or exhibit work, and sometimes teach.
Graphic Designer: Design visual content for print, digital media, and advertising, often working for agencies or as a freelancer.
Fashion Designer: Design clothing and accessories, often working for fashion houses or as an independent designer.
Interior Designer: Plan and design functional, aesthetically pleasing interior spaces, for homes, businesses, or public spaces.
Product Designer: Design functional and visually appealing products, working with engineers and manufacturers.
Illustrator: Create images for books, magazines, and digital media, often working as a freelancer.
Animator: Create moving images for films, TV, video games, and advertisements, often using digital tools.
Art Director: Oversee visual style in advertising, film, or publications, leading design teams to ensure a consistent creative direction.
Photographer: Capture images for various purposes like commercial, editorial, or fine art photography.
Set Designer (Theatre/Film): Design and construct sets for productions in theatre, film, or TV.
Exhibition Designer: Design spaces for museums, galleries, and exhibitions to communicate a theme or message.
Art Teacher: Teach art techniques and theory at schools, colleges, or in private settings.
Art Therapist: Use art-making to help individuals express emotions or improve mental health.
Art Conservationist: Restore and preserve artworks and historical artefacts for museums or private clients.
Architect: Design functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings, working with technical and creative aspects of construction.
Content Creator: Produce digital content (videos, photography, graphics) for platforms like YouTube and Instagram, often building a personal brand.
Makeup Artist: Apply makeup for fashion, theatre, TV, or personal clients, with specialisations in areas like special effects or bridal makeup.