In S5 and for some S6 the course has 2 distinct units (practical components), that pupils must complete to gain an overall award.
Critical Activity or Art & Design Studies will enable pupils to prepare for a Question Paper (written component) as part of course assessment.
- Expressive Project/Folio with Critical Activity
Practical work exploring a theme (still-life, portraiture, landscape or ‘built-environment’) within drawing, painting perhaps 3-D media or printmaking skills is undertaken in this unit. Experience of technology and how it can be creatively used to develop ideas along with an understanding and appreciation of artists’ working practices is also included.
- Design Project/Folio with Critical Activity
Practical work again exploring a theme within a Design Area like Product Design (Chair or Lighting), Jewellery Design
(Body Adornment) or Textile Design is the experience within this unit. Following the Design Process – Research & Investigation and Development, pupils will experiment with and develop a range of 2D and/or 3D media handling skill to develop their design ideas and proposals. Experience of technology and how it can be creatively used will be incorporated along with an understanding and appreciation of designers’ working practices is also included.
In the project(s) or folio(s), pupils will produce finished pieces of Expressive and Design Work (outcomes).
Higher course assessment will be internally marked (PGHS) and externally verified (SQA).
Higher (N6) award includes a Question Paper (written exam) as part of course assessment. The question paper adds value by requiring integration and application of knowledge and skills from across the units.
During the pandemic the school has followed an Alternative Certification Model, pupil work has been marked and verified both internally (PGHS) and externally (across Inverclyde Schools). Assessments in class/school have replaced Exams and department staff have worked hard to ensure the coursework and evidence completed by pupils was appropriate in order to robustly justify estimates and grades for pupils involved in National Certification or Award.
