Art Department -Standard Grade
The Standard Grade course in art and design is a two-year course.
In each year, the course is divided into three parts:
The design unit, The expressive unit, The critical activity
The design unit deals with solving a problem set, in a design brief. The brief is organised by the art and design staff. The solution to the design brief is produced in a number of stages. The stages demand ability to draw, to use drawing as a way to investigate and research ideas, to transform these ideas and be creative in finding several possible solutions to the problem set in the design brief.
In each year, the course is divided into three parts:
The design unit, The expressive unit, The critical activity
The design unit deals with solving a problem set, in a design brief. The brief is organised by the art and design staff. The solution to the design brief is produced in a number of stages. The stages demand ability to draw, to use drawing as a way to investigate and research ideas, to transform these ideas and be creative in finding several possible solutions to the problem set in the design brief.
The expressive unit deals with aspects of sculpture or drawing and painting. Pupils are set problems to develop their understanding of composition and to practice handling a range of media. As with design, pupils must produce work, which shows an ability to research, and investigate their subjects in a range of different media, showing knowledge and invention, before attempting a final solution.
Drawing forms the backbone to all these activities. Pupils must regularly practice drawing, seeking to develop their knowledge and skill. For this reason it is essential that drawing is practiced at home as well as in school. Homework is regularly issued and marked by the art staff.
Drawing forms the backbone to all these activities. Pupils must regularly practice drawing, seeking to develop their knowledge and skill. For this reason it is essential that drawing is practiced at home as well as in school. Homework is regularly issued and marked by the art staff.
Critical activity is learning about artists and designers and about their work. Pupils read, take notes, discuss, visit museums and write essays. They must be involved in critical activity throughout each unit of work. A final piece of written work, several pages in length, is completed for each unit. A certain amount of written homework is required for critical activity.
Examination and assessment
Classes are usually of mixed ability. Assessments are carried out at times throughout the year.
Following final assessments and examination pupils are awarded a grade at one of three levels -
Credit Level, General Level, Foundation Level.
In March, when pupils are in fourth year, two critical activity pieces are sent to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) for assessment, one dealing with design, the other with expressive work.
Expressive ability is tested in fourth year by an S.Q.A exam in late April. The exam lasts a full day and pupils must prepare 2 sheets of drawings before the exam. During the exam itself, pupils must produce one piece of expressive work in a chosen medium.
The design unit from fourth year is assessed by the art and design department in February. The SQA can check our assessment by sending one of their markers to the school.
Classes are usually of mixed ability. Assessments are carried out at times throughout the year.
Following final assessments and examination pupils are awarded a grade at one of three levels -
Credit Level, General Level, Foundation Level.
In March, when pupils are in fourth year, two critical activity pieces are sent to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) for assessment, one dealing with design, the other with expressive work.
Expressive ability is tested in fourth year by an S.Q.A exam in late April. The exam lasts a full day and pupils must prepare 2 sheets of drawings before the exam. During the exam itself, pupils must produce one piece of expressive work in a chosen medium.
The design unit from fourth year is assessed by the art and design department in February. The SQA can check our assessment by sending one of their markers to the school.
Career options following study at college, university or art school:Assuming qualifications are obtained at Higher National Diploma (HND) or degree level, careers might include any of those listed here. The list is not exhaustive but does indicate that most people qualified in visual arts earn their living in commerce and industry.
Architecture, teaching, graphic design, illustration, photography, film and video production, television, textile design, jewellery and silversmithing, fashion design, stage or set design, interior design, exhibition display, film animation, product design, product design/engineering.