Overview of National Qualifications available within Art and Design.
We currently deliver the National 2 Creative Arts Qualification, where pupils can complete the following units to achieve their award: Developing Skills in Creative Arts, Creating Materials for Performance, and Creating Materials for Display
The aims of the course are to enable learners to:
demonstrate an awareness of the range of creative arts
work imaginatively and develop individual creativity
communicate thoughts, meaning and ideas through creative work
demonstrate skills in using techniques, processes, materials and media to produce creative work
use media and technology as part of the creative process
Course activities also provide opportunities for learners to develop generic and transferable skills in planning, problem solving, communication and literacy. The Course also provides opportunities for learners to work independently as well as to collaborate and work with others.
Skills Groups
The Art and Design Department offers a skills programme in Arts and Crafts to S2 and S3 pupils, where pupils will complete a variety of creative tasks which help develop problem solving and fine motor skills.
S1 Curriculum
Throughout S1, most pupils will work at either Early Level or First Level of the curriculum - whichever is most appropriate for the individual. There is a strong focus on introducing pupils to a wide range of materials and techniques and using these with an experimental approach. Pupils will also begin to learn how to express and communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas through a range of creative tasks and will have many opportunities to build on key transferrable skills in areas such as Literacy, Numeracy and Health & Wellbeing.
Term 1 – Throughout Term 1, S1 pupils will begin to develop their knowledge of the visual elements - particularly within pattern and colour. Pupils will be given the opportunity to experiment and build confidence in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, oil pastels and collage. Term 1 project themes include: Folder Nameplate Design, Colour Mixing Painting Project and Kandinsky’s Circles.
Term 2 - Throughout Term 2, S1 pupils will further develop their knowledge of the visual elements – with a focus on texture, line and shape. Pupils will be given the opportunity to experiment and build confidence in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils, oil pastels and paper mache. Some Term 2 project themes include: Jim Lambie Texture Walls, Keith Haring Wall Murials and Henri Matisse Cut-outs
Term 3 - Throughout Term 3, S1 pupils will further build their knowledge of the visual elements as well as developing their design skills. Pupils will be given the opportunity to experiment and build confidence in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils, oil pastels and paper modelling. Some Term 3 project themes include: Edinburgh Fringe Poster Design (Competition Entry Project), Jewellery Design.
Term 4 - Throughout Term 4, S1 pupils will further build their knowledge of the visual elements – with a focus on tone and form. Pupils will be given the opportunity to experiment and build confidence in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils, oil pastels and clay. Some Term 4 project themes include: Picasso ‘Weeping Woman’ Project, Still Life Project
Aifl Strategies/Assessment Procedures/Tracking and Monitoring
Within the Art and Design department, a wide range of assessment and evaluation strategies are employed to ensure that every learner is reaching their potential.
We use a wide variety of pupil-centered AiFL strategies, including an individual ‘Learning Log’ for each pupil, which acts as a tool for both pupils to regularly evaluate their own learning and as a teaching tool for carrying out effective tracking and monitoring of each pupil’s progress. Within our Learning Logs, pupils keep a visual record of their learning and are encouraged to regularly self-evaluate and reflect on this. We also use a variety of both formative and summative assessment techniques such as regular observations of work, questioning techniques, learning games and a departmental progress record for each pupil.
S2 Curriculum
Throughout S2, most pupils will work at either First Level or Second Level of the curriculum - whichever is most appropriate for the individual. There is a strong focus on further developing the skills needed to work successfully with a wide range of materials and techniques. Pupils will also further develop their ability to express and communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas through a range of creative tasks and will have many opportunities to build on key transferrable skills in areas such as Literacy, Numeracy and Health & Wellbeing.
Term 1 - Throughout Term 1, S2 pupils will further develop their knowledge of the visual elements - particularly within pattern, texture and colour. Pupils will also focus on improving their skills in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, oil pastels and collage. Term 1 project themes include: Folder Nameplate Design, Hot/Cold Colour Project and Road Safety Posters (Competition Entry Project)
Term 2 - Throughout Term 2, S2 pupils will further build their knowledge of the visual elements – with a focus on colour, line and shape. Pupils will also focus on improving their skills in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils and oil pastels. Some Term 2 project themes include: Scottish Landscapes, Paul Klee Colour Mixing Project.
Term 3 - Throughout Term 3, S2 pupils will further build their knowledge of the visual elements and as well as developing their design skills. Pupils will also focus on improving their skills in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils, oil pastels and collage. Some Term 3 project themes include: Edinburgh Fringe Poster Design (Competition Entry Project), Charles Rennie Mackintosh Design Project.
Term 4 - Throughout Term 4, S2 pupils will further build their knowledge of the visual elements – with a focus on shape, form and colour. Pupils will also focus on improving their skills in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils, oil pastels and collage. Some Term 4 project themes include: Pop Art Still Life Project, Surrealism Project.
Aifl Strategies/Assessment Procedures/Tracking and Monitoring
Within the Art and Design department, a wide range of assessment and evaluation strategies are employed to ensure that every learner is reaching their potential.
We use a wide variety of pupil-centered AiFL strategies, including an individual ‘Learning Log’ for each pupil, which acts as a tool for both pupils to regularly evaluate their own learning and as a teaching tool for carrying out effective tracking and monitoring of each pupil’s progress. Within our Learning Logs, pupils keep a visual record of their learning and are encouraged to regularly self-evaluate and reflect on this. We also use a variety of both formative and summative assessment techniques such as regular observations of work, questioning techniques, learning games and a departmental progress record for each pupil.
S3 Curriculum
Throughout S3, most pupils will work at either First Level or Second Level of the curriculum - whichever is most appropriate for each individual. There is a strong focus on consolidating the knowledge and skills that pupils will need for completing Nationals in S4. Pupils will also further develop their ability to express and communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas through a range of creative tasks and will have many opportunities to build on key transferrable skills in areas such as Literacy, Numeracy and Health & Wellbeing.
Term 1 – Throughout Term 1, S3 pupils will focus on refining their design skills and knowledge of the visual elements, particularly colour, line and shape. Pupils will also focus on refining their skills in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils and oil pastels. Term 1 project themes include: Folder Nameplate Design, Kandinsky Shape/Line Project, Road Safety Poster Competition
Term 2 – Throughout Term 2, S3 pupils will focus on refining their knowledge of the visual elements. Pupils will also focus on refining their skills in using a wide variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils, printing, chalk pastels and oil pastels. Term 2 project themes include: Hundertwasser Built Environment Project, Scottish Landscapes
Term 3 – Throughout Term 3, S3 pupils will focus on refining their design skills and knowledge of the visual elements. Pupils will also focus on refining their skills in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils, oil pastels and batique. Term 3 project themes include: Georgia O’Keefe Batiques, Edinburgh Fringe Festival Posters (Competition Entry Project)
Term 4 – Throughout Term 4, S3 pupils will focus on refining their design skills and knowledge of the visual elements. Pupils will also focus on refining their skills in using a variety of materials and techniques such as paint, pencils, paper mache and paper modelling. Term 4 project themes include: Lion King Costume Design Project
Aifl Strategies/Assessment Procedures/Tracking and Monitoring
Within the Art and Design department, a wide range of assessment and evaluation strategies are employed to ensure that every learner is reaching their potential.
We use a wide variety of pupil-centered AiFL strategies, including an individual ‘Learning Log’ for each pupil, which acts as a tool for both pupils to regularly evaluate their own learning and as a teaching tool for carrying out effective tracking and monitoring of each pupil’s progress. Within our Learning Logs, pupils keep a visual record of their learning and are encouraged to regularly self-evaluate and reflect on this. We also use a variety of both formative and summative assessment techniques such as regular observations of work, questioning techniques, learning games and a departmental progress record for each pupil.
S4 Curriculum
Throughout S4, pupils currently work towards completing their National 2 Qualification in Creative Arts. Pupils work through the following units to achieve this: Developing Skills in Creative Arts, Creating Materials for Performance, Creating Materials for Display
The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:
demonstrate an awareness of the range of creative arts
work imaginatively and develop individual creativity
communicate thoughts, meaning and ideas through creative work
demonstrate skills in using techniques, processes, materials and media to produce creative work
use media and technology as part of the creative process
Course activities also provide opportunities for learners to develop generic and transferable skills in planning, problem solving, communication and literacy. The Course also provides opportunities for learners to work independently as well as to collaborate and work with others.
Term 1 – Pupils Work towards completing the outcomes for the ‘Developing Skills in Creative Arts’ Unit of the Creative Arts Course.
Term 2 - Pupils Work towards completing the outcomes for the ‘Developing Skills in Creative Arts’ Unit of the Creative Arts Course.
Term 3 - Pupils Work towards completing the outcomes for the ‘Creating Materials for Display’ Unit of the Creative Arts Course.
Term 4 - Pupils Work towards completing the outcomes for the ‘Creating Materials for Performance’ Unit of the Creative Arts Course.
Aifl Strategies/Assessment Procedures/Tracking and Monitoring
Within the Art and Design department, a wide range of assessment and evaluation strategies are employed to ensure that every learner is reaching their potential.
We use a wide variety of pupil-centered AiFL strategies, including an individual ‘Learning Log’ for each pupil, which acts as a tool for both pupils to regularly evaluate their own learning and as a teaching tool for carrying out effective tracking and monitoring of each pupil’s progress. Within our Learning Logs, pupils keep a visual record of their learning and are encouraged to regularly self-evaluate and reflect on this. We also use a variety of both formative and summative assessment techniques such as regular observations of work, questioning techniques, learning games and a departmental progress record for each pupil.
S5 Curriculum
Throughout S5, pupils currently work towards completing their National 2 Qualification in Creative Arts. Pupils work through the following units to achieve this: Developing Skills in Creative Arts, Creating Materials for Performance, Creating Materials for Display
The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:
demonstrate an awareness of the range of creative arts
work imaginatively and develop individual creativity
communicate thoughts, meaning and ideas through creative work
demonstrate skills in using techniques, processes, materials and media to produce creative work
use media and technology as part of the creative process
Course activities also provide opportunities for learners to develop generic and transferable skills in planning, problem solving, communication and literacy. The Course also provides opportunities for learners to work independently as well as to collaborate and work with others.
Term 1 – Pupils Work towards completing the outcomes for the ‘Developing Skills in Creative Arts’ Unit of the Creative Arts Course.
Term 2 - Pupils Work towards completing the outcomes for the ‘Developing Skills in Creative Arts’ Unit of the Creative Arts Course.
Term 3 - Pupils Work towards completing the outcomes for the ‘Creating Materials for Display’ Unit of the Creative Arts Course.
Term 4 - Pupils Work towards completing the outcomes for the ‘Creating Materials for Performance’ Unit of the Creative Arts Course.
Aifl Strategies/Assessment Procedures/Tracking and Monitoring
Within the Art and Design department, a wide range of assessment and evaluation strategies are employed to ensure that every learner is reaching their potential.
We use a wide variety of pupil-centered AiFL strategies, including an individual ‘Learning Log’ for each pupil, which acts as a tool for both pupils to regularly evaluate their own learning and as a teaching tool for carrying out effective tracking and monitoring of each pupil’s progress. Within our Learning Logs, pupils keep a visual record of their learning and are encouraged to regularly self-evaluate and reflect on this. We also use a variety of both formative and summative assessment techniques such as regular observations of work, questioning techniques, learning games and a departmental progress record for each pupil.