BGE
BGE pupils will be offered a wide range of experiences and outcomes enabling them to create, design and build on previous prior learning. Pupils develop the ability to invent, create, design and interpret. Starting with basic drawing and progressing to more in depth projects, pupils will gain confidence as learners. Pupils are given the opportunity to try a variety of different media including drawing, painting and working in 3D. We also look at the work of artists and designers and build confidence evaluating our own work and the work of others.
NAT 4/5
The Art & Design National 4 and 5 course has an integrated approach to learning, and includes a mix of practical learning and knowledge and understanding.
There are two main areas: Design and Expressive.
Within each of these units learners expand upon their media handling skills, using a wide range of art materials expressively in 2D or 3D. Learners are encouraged to explore the use of technology when researching and developing ideas as creatively as possible. Pupils are also expected to develop an understanding and appreciation of artists’ and designers’ working practices as well as develop knowledge of the cultural influences on art and design work.
Design Course
‘Design is what links creativity and innovation. It shapes ideas to become practical and attractive propositions for users or customers. Design may be described as creativity deployed to a specific end.’ The Cox Review
Design is a platform for the ‘thinking of tomorrow’. As a department we have established a layered set of opportunities, where learners are able to choose from a wide range of specialisms to produce a design folio. These specialisms include – Product Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Textile Design, Fashion Design, and Jewellery, Design, Photography. Although these specialisms are very different they all share a strong culture of experimentation, innovation and visual dialogue. This process encourages the development of complex analysis and critical thinking skills. The Design process aims to challenge learners and provide them with problem solving skills.
Expressive Course
‘Fine art is the most intense form of individualism that the world has known.’ Oscar Wilde.
The core objectives of the expressive programme of study are to develop the learners’ observational and practical skills, enabling them to document the world they live in. Each year is designed to ensure that it builds upon prior learning in terms of subject content, practical skills, individual research approaches and development processes. In the expressive folio, learners select and resource a personal theme, this allows them to visually communicate their own individual interests and ideas. The structure of the expressive course aims to teach learners the following skills: drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and printmaking, while challenging perceptions of composition, colour mixing and scale through the use of the visual elements.
HIGHER
The Higher Art & Design course gives pupils the opportunity to expand on skills developed in National 5. The course encourages pupils to develop creativity through a wide range of materials and technology. Pupils will gain skills in the creation of two and /or three dimensional expressive and design work using a variety of materials and technologies. This course allows learners to become creative thinkers and independent learners. Pupils attend Art & Design for 5 periods each week.
ADVANCED HIGHER
Two courses are available for pupils to study at this level: Design Enquiry- with Expressive Activity or Design Study
CAREERS IN ART & DESIGN
There is an ever-widening opportunity for your child to pursue a rewarding career in the creative arts and design industries. The department has forged important links with Art and Design Schools, Universities and Colleges across Scotland as well as creative industry courses, which are offered across the UK. We have been successful in finding positive career pathways for our learners in Scotland. We provide a friendly and dynamic environment to allow for diversity in thinking, opinion and ideas and are placing creativity at the centre of our departmental policy. No matter what career you choose, those who can research, create, present and communicate in a way that is intellectually innovative will excel. Art and Design enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills and develops lateral thinking, skills that are highly desirable in all careers.
For Art School applications, students will be required to present a portfolio of work, produced within the Advanced Higher course. All of the Honors Degree Courses listed below require an Advanced Higher portfolio.
Design: Architecture, Product Design Engineering, Product Design, Animation, Interior Design, Illustration, Communication Design, Textile Design, Fashion Design, Sliversmithing and Jewellery.
Fine Art: Photography, Painting and Printmaking, Sculpture and Environmental Art.
