The Higher Art and Design Course enables pupils to communicate personal thoughts, feelings and ideas through the creative use of art and design materials, techniques and/or technology. Pupils 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.

Pupils will produce a portfolio of work which will encompass both the areas of Expressive artwork and Design work. For their Expressive folio, with the guidance and support of their teacher, pupils may choose to produce work from one of the following areas; Still Life, Portraiture, Figurative or Landscape. For their Design folio, again with the guidance and support of their teacher, pupils may choose to produce work from one of the following areas; Graphic Design, Jewellery Design, Product Design, Fashion & Textiles or Milinary (Hat Making). Both the Expressive and Design portfolios will be submitted to the SQA for assessment.

Alongside the practical element of the course, pupils will study and analyse the work of two artists and two designers that have inspired their folio work. This in turn will serve as preparation for the Higher Art & Design Critical Studies exam paper that is set by the SQA.