National Qualifications in Art & Design
NATIONAL 4
Course Overview
The purpose of the Course is to provide a broad practical experience of art and design and related critical activity. The Course provides opportunities for learners to be inspired by experimenting with how they can visually represent their personal thoughts and ideas and create imaginative expressive and design work. In the Course, learners will experiment with using art and design materials, techniques and/or technology in creative and expressive ways. They will develop their critical thinking skills as they develop and produce their own creative work and develop their understanding of art and design practice.
Course Learning Objectives
The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:
- communicate personal thoughts, feelings and ideas through the imaginative use of art and design materials, techniques and/or technology
- develop knowledge and understanding of art and design practice
- plan, develop, produce and present creative art and design work
- develop understanding of the social and cultural influences on artists and designers and their work
- develop problem solving, critical thinking and reflective practice skills
Course Content
The course comprises of three units all of which are internally assessed:
- Unit 1 Expressive Activity with Critical Studies – Pass/Fail
- Unit 2 Design Activity with Critical Studies – Pass/Fail
- Unit 3 Added Value Unit – Pass/Fail
Recommended Entry
Pupils undertaking study at National 4 should aim to have achieved a pass at Level 3 experiences and outcomes in the BGE phase for Art and Design.
Assessment
To achieve the National 4 Art and Design Course Award, learners must pass all of the required Units. It is awarded on a pass/fail basis.
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
- other SQA qualifications in the expressive arts, fashion, textiles and technologies
- National 5 Art and Design Course or relevant component Units
- further study, employment or training
NATIONAL 5
Course Overview
The National 5 Art and Design course allows candidates to improve their skills base and broaden their horizons regarding the range of careers available to them. Throughout the course, candidates develop creativity, perseverance, independence and resilience. Learning through art and design also develops candidates’ ability to critically appreciate aesthetic and cultural values, identities and ideas.
The purpose of the National 5 Art and Design course is to provide a broad, investigative and practical experience of art and design. Creativity is the key focus of the course. Candidates develop knowledge of art and design practice by studying artists and designers and their work. They also develop an understanding of expressive and design processes and accumulate and use a selection of related skills. The course provides opportunities for candidates to be inspired and creatively challenged through their work.
Course Learning Objectives
The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:
- produce analytical drawings and related investigative studies in response to stimuli
- use visual elements expressively, showing a clear understanding of the subject matter
- produce focused investigative visual and market research for a design activity
- develop skills in using a range of art and design materials, techniques and/or technology creatively
- develop and refine a variety of creative ideas for art and design work in 2D and/or 3D formats
- describe how artists and designers use materials, techniques and/or technology in their work
- analyse the impact of social, cultural and other influences on artists’ and designers’ work and practice
- use problem-solving, planning and self-evaluation skills within the creative process
Course Content
The course comprises three units which includes time allocated for the preparation and presentation of their practical portfolios. All three units are externally assessed by SQA and are as follows:
- Unit 1 Expressive Activity – 100 marks (40%)
- Unit 2 Design Activity – 100 marks (40%)
- Unit 3 Art & Design Critical Studies – 50 marks (20%)
Recommended Entry
Pupils undertaking study at National 5 should aim to have achieved a pass at Level 4 in the BGE phase or have a National 4 award in Art and Design.
Assessment
Assessment is conducted through internal on-going unit assessment throughout the year.
External Assessment
Expressive and Design portfolios with evaluations, submitted for external assessment to SQA.
Art and Design Studies written exam externally assessed by SQA.
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to other qualifications offered such as Higher Art and Design as well as further study, employment and/or training.
Click here to view our National 4 /5 pupil work Galleries.
