Higher Art & Design

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Higher Course has an integrated approach to learning, and includes a mix of  practical learning and analysis of art and design practice. The Higher Art and Design Course enables learners to communicate personal thoughts, feelings and ideas through the creative use of art and design materials, techniques and/or technology. Learners analyse a range of art and design practice and critically reflect on the impact of external factors on artists, designers and their work. They plan, develop, produce and present creative art and design work, develop personal creativity, and use problem solving, critical thinking and reflective practice skills.

The course will be delivered through three key elements;

Expressive with Critical activity – this element will give students an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings in a variety of activities such as Portraiture, Still life, Built Environment, Figure Composition using a range of media including - Drawing, Painting, Sculpture. Work carried out in the expressive unit will be showing learners’ skills in observation drawing, developing ideas for a possible outcome and experimenting with media.

Design with Critical activity – this element  is about problem solving for a Design Brief and working through the Design Process to finish with a well presented Final Outcome. This will involve creative thinking and problem solving skills. A typical element may be linked to Graphic, Illustration, Fashion/Textile, Jewellry, Product.

Critical Activity – Will involve pupils analysing the work of Artists and Designers and being able to express their opinion about their work. As learners develop their own practical skills, they will investigate how artists and designers create and develop ideas. By carrying out this work learners’ appreciation of art & design practice will help them to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills

Assessment

Coursework will be continuously  assessed. The course assessment will consist of three components, a final portfolio of Expressive work worth 38.5%, a final portfolio of Design work worth 38.5% which will both be submitted to the SQA for external  assessment and a written examination worth 23%. Pupils will be awarded an A-D grade if they successfully pass the course.

WHAT WILL MY HOME COMMITMENT BE FOR THIS COURSE?

A high level of self-motivation is required for the Art and Design courses. Students can expect to do at least 2 hours of homework per week. Over the course of the year this can involve

• Collecting and drawing an appropriate range of objects

• Researching and writing essays on the work of artists and designers

• Completing any unfinished practical tasks started in class time

Is ART & DESIGN for me? 

You will enjoy this subject if: 

· You enjoy being creative.

· You enjoy problem solving.

· You enjoy communicating your ideas visually.

· You want to express your own ideas and feelings.

· You would like to develop your practical skills using a wide variety of 2D and 3D materials.

· You are interested in how design can improve our daily lives.