Higher
Content
The course aims to reflect the working methods of artists and designers. It involves individual study on the part of each student in gathering references and generating ideas for further consideration as well as the production of final works. The intention of the course is to develop the student’s creative abilities through a range of media and technology, and also to develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the work of artists and designers.
The course is made up of three units, each occupying about one third of the available time.
Expressive Activity allows students the opportunity to develop skills by investigation, observation and analysis through drawing, photography and collecting visual information. Ideas, thoughts and feelings can then be explained visually leading to a final work in painting, drawing, sculpture or print-making.
Design Activity involves responding to a brief based on a real-life need or request by investigating various ways of developing a solution to the problem set and then producing the most suitable outcome in one of many forms - graphics; ceramics; product design; textile printing; jewellery; packaging; fashion; interior design; illustration. Students follow a design process which combines creativity with function, from initial brief to finished product.
Art and Design Studies run alongside the practical units to support and extend them. When creating their practical expressive work and design work, students will study artists and designers whose work is relevant to their own.
Internal assesment
Each unit has a number of learning outcomes which must be achieved. Internal assessment takes place at the mid-point and at the end of each unit to verify that all has been achieved.
External assesment
| Expressive unit Design unit |
Folio of classwork sent to SQA | 73% |
|
| Art & Design Studies unit | Written exam - 1½ hours/1 hour | 27% |
Homework
Gathering research materials, producing written assignments, developing a sketch-book for drawings and ideas - these can be expected as homework of 1 to 2 hours per week.
Value of course
This course gives the opportunity to develop the student’s artistic skills, the capacity for imaginative thought, the ability to express ideas in visual terms and to find solutions to design problems. It provides a means of understanding and evaluating art and design of our own age compared to that of previous periods and cultures. The course offers highly individual, personal development and, while the demands are high, the level of personal fulfilment is likely to be high also. It will be of benefit to students considering a career in art and design and also to those who are simply developing a personal talent and interest.
Entry requirements
For entry to Higher, students should have achieved at least a C pass in National 5 Art & Design.
Advanced Higher
Content
Students undertaking this course have already acquired and demonstrated a high level of competence and broadly based experience in Art and Design. This course provides the opportunity to extend and develop artistic ability by exploring a specialised area in depth.
The course is made up of two distinct units, including one major body of work and one complementary folio or study.
Students specialise in one course element – expressive. Then they deepen and expand their practical folio by undertaking a study into an area of the visual arts.
| Specialised area | Secondary area | Total |
| Expressive unit (80 hours) | Visual art study (40 hours) | 120 hours |
Internal assesment
Each unit has a number of learning outcomes which MUST be achieved. Internal assessment is in the form of regular reviews.
External assesment
All work will be submitted for external assessment.
Homework
Satisfactory achievement is not possible without personal commitment beyond the classroom. Students are required to develop sketchbooks for drawings, ideas and experiments – two hours per week.
Value of course
For students already able and involved in Art and Design, this course offers a uniquely individual and personal experience. With the support, guidance and assistance of staff, each student determines the subject, nature and content of the study. Personal responsibility and commitment as well as self-fulfilment are at the heart of the course.
It will be of benefit to students considering a career in Art and Design and it will be an enriching and rewarding experience for those students who are simply developing their interests and abilities.
Entry requirements
Art & Design at Higher level (minimum grade C).