ART & DESIGN
The Art Department is an exciting and stimulating place. Here pupils of all ages from Transitus to Senior VI feel valued and encouraged. The staff nurture and develop talent but always keep in mind the main aim of the department, namely the enjoyment of art and design in all of its forms whether it is drawing, painting, pottery, fashion/textile or product design.
We recognise that each individual has a creative side and a unique ability and we want to allow this to grow to reach its full potential. Pupils are taught by a specialist art teacher from Junior 5 and this gives us a greater understanding of the boys and girls before they enter the senior art department in Transitus.
Transitus
Pupils follow a course which is broadly in line with the Standard Grade and Higher Courses. Namely it will be divided into three main categories: Design; Expressive; and Art and Design Studies. This enables the pupils to experience a broad range of processes, techniques and media which are suited to their particular ages and previous experience. This year provides a foundation which will be built upon in the years to follow.
The various themes within those three broad categories are specifically planned for Transitus taking into account their interests, abilities and knowledge. Within the year there is a built-in cross-curricular element, linking their art to studies in another subject involving a different school department. This is a common departure for the Art Department and is one which Transitus in particular should feel familiar with due to the obvious cross-curricular links that take place in the Junior School.
Transitus also begin to study the history of art and design, looking at specific artists’ and designers’ work to help develop an understanding of style, period, subject matter and technique. Transitus will be assessed in a variety of ways including peer assessment, group discussion, self assessment and target setting.
SI-SII
The course comprises of three areas: design; expressive and critical studies. The course builds on those skills learned and the techniques already experienced in Transitus, enabling pupils to develop both their drawing skills and to enhance their artistic awareness.
SIII-SIV Standard Grade
This course allows the pupils to experience the three main areas of art and design: expressive work; design projects; and critical appreciation of art and design. There are three main aims of the course. Firstly, to develop skills in media techniques and handling. Secondly, to work through and understand a design process. Thirdly, to gain knowledge and insight into the history of art and design, whilst forming judgements and opinions on works of art.
SV/SVI Higher
The Higher course has three mandatory units: Design Activity; Expressive Activity; and Art and Design Studies. The design and expressive activities consist of a folio of three sheets for each discipline. The written part of the course is assessed as a formal examination. It comprises two sections - Art Studies and Design Studies. Pupils are required to have in-depth knowledge of two artists and two designers. They are also expected to give mature and insightful comments about an unseen piece of art and design. The written part of the course complements the practical and together they further the pupils’ knowledge and skills in the fields of art and design.
SVI Advanced Higher
Expressive or Design Advanced Higher work contains two distinct units, one enquiry and one optional. The practical unit is worth 60% of the overall grade and the optional written part is worth 40%. These two units are closely linked and therefore are worked on concurrently. The optional unit is the study of artists/designers whose work relates strongly to the practical folio. Both units are externally marked and must be completed by the beginning of June.
