Entry Requirements
Level D and above

Course Content
Standard Grade Art and Design covers the core skills of problem solving where pupils express themselves visually.  Personal interests and themes allow pupils to investigate their natural/man-made environment and to create and evaluate final pieces from their own ideas.

The structure of the 2 year course covers three units of work. For example:

» A design unit that extends over the 2 year course.

» An Expressive unit leading to exam preparation in S4.

» A critical unit that involves writing two related essays.

Learning and Teaching Methods
All classes are of mixed ability and are paced and pitched to meet individual ability levels and work pace.

In all practical units, pupils can choose from a range of possible themes and approaches within a set task.  They are encouraged to research, investigate and develop ideas in an independent and organised manner whilst taking account of teacher advice and guidance.

Critical Activity is an integral part of both Design and Expressive units.   It involves the study of Artists and Designers. Studies link directly to the theme or area of practical units.

Use of technology is part of the Standard Grade course, whether in the form of three dimensional construction, computer-aided design, photography, video or ICT.

Drawing and gathering of information is taught using IT, various media and techniques.  Drawing from first hand sources is important and involves working from three dimensional subject matter.

Homework
To improve personal skill and interest, homework takes the forms of investigation and research within the Design and Expressive units, for example collecting photographs or sketching and gathering information. On occasions, it will be issued to stretch the more able or to compensate for pupil absence or slow work pace.

Assessment
Each Unit is worth one third of the final award and all three Units must be completed to achieve a Standard Grade in Art & Design.

The Expressive unit leads to a five hour exam and it is externally assessed by the SQA markers.

The Design and Critical units are assessed internally and moderated by external examiners appointed by the SQA

Progression
Intermediate 2 Art and Design or Higher Art and Design

Entry Requirements
A General award at Standard Grade

Content / Approach to Learning and Teaching
The Intermediate 2 course is suitable for candidates progressing from General level at Standard Grade.  Areas of Expressive, Design and related Studies are undertaken including the compulsory elements: the use of technology and the study of a contemporary area in Expressive Art or Design studies.

The course consists of three 40 hour units:

» Art & Design: Expressive Activity (Intermediate 2)

» Art & Design: Design Activity (Intermediate 2)

» Art & Design: Art & Design Studies. (Intermediate 2)

Assessment Arrangement
To achieve the course award the candidate must pass the three units as well as the course assessment. The candidate’s grade is based on the course assessment.

The evidence required for the Course Assessment will be made up of two components:

Homework
Pupils will be given homework and short-term deadlines to complete areas of practical work.  The Art & Design Studies area is partly formally taught, partly self – study.  Revision and practice is both needed and expected in all areas of the course.

Progression Routes
With a good pass at Intermediate 2 Art & Design, pupils may go on to Higher in S6

Core Skills
Critical Thinking at Intermediate

Entry Requirements
Credit award at Standard Grade or Intermediate 2, A or B Grade

Content / Approach to Learning and Teaching
The Higher course is suitable for candidates progressing from Credit level at Standard Grade or Intermediate 2.  Areas of Expressive, Design and related Studies are undertaken including the compulsory elements: the use of technology and the study of a contemporary area in Expressive Art or Design Studies.  At Higher level the candidates study these areas in more depth and with greater independence and responsibility for learning.

The course consists of three 40 hour units:

» Art & Design: Expressive Activity (Higher)

» Art & Design: Design Activity (Higher)

» Art & Design: Art & Design Studies. (Higher)

Assessment Arrangements
To achieve the course award the candidate must pass the three units as well as the course assessment. The candidate’s grade is based on the course assessment.

The evidence required for the Course Assessment will be made up of two components as in Intermediate 2. 160 marks available for the Practical Folio, whilst 60 are available for the component 2 paper set by the SQA.

Homework
Pupils will be given homework and short-term deadlines to complete areas of practical work.  The Art & Design Studies area is partly formally taught, partly self – study.  Revision and practice is both needed and expected in all areas of the course.

Progression Routes
With a good pass at Higher Art & Design, pupils may pursue Art related courses in Further and Higher education establishments.