Art and Design

We offer courses from S1-6 in Art and Design.

Art and Design enables learners to experience the inspiration and power of the arts, as well as recognise and nurture learners' creative and aesthetic talents. It encourages the development of skills and techniques that are relevant to specific art forms and across the four capacities. Learners are given the opportunity to deepen their understanding of culture in Scotland and the wider world. They can form links with professional arts companies, creative adults and cultural organisations.

Broad General Education (S1 - S3)

Through Art & Design, learners have opportunities to be creative and to experience inspiration and enjoyment, using a wide variety of materials and techniques in the BGE phase, including:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Clay
  • Photography
  • Packaging Design
  • Hat Design
  • Puppet making
  • Mask making
  • Animation

Learners will work across a variety of genres including: Still life, portraiture, natural form and design work is varied between 2D and 3D design.

Throughout S1 –S3 learners explore a wide range of two and three dimensional media and technologies through practical activities expressing and communicating ideas. Study of the works of artists and designers enhances their enjoyment and deepens their knowledge and understanding.

Art movements studied include:

  • Pop Art
  • Photo-Realism
  • Scottish Colourists

Senior Phase (S4 - S6)

The department offers courses in Art & Design (Nat 3, Nat 4, Nat 5, Higher & Advanced Higher). There are three elements to the courses:

  • Expressive Folio
  • Design Folio
  • Critical Studies


The course allows pupils to develop the following skills:

  • a greater knowledge, understanding and ability to critically analyse artists and designers as creative practitioners.
  • a deeper understanding of external factors influencing artists and designers
  • experimenting with a variety of art and design materials to refine ideas
  • practical skills in using materials, techniques and/or technology
  • producing analytical drawings and investigative studies
  • creativity and imaginative expression
  • critical appreciation of aesthetic and cultural values, identities and ideas
  • planning, producing and presenting creative art and design work
  • investigating and analysing how artists/designers use materials/techniques
  • applying this knowledge to his/her own creative practice
  • problem-solving and critical analysis to find solutions to design briefs
  • confidence in creative practice and in creative self-expression
  • enjoyment in the arts


They will experience the following through the year:

  • Active and independent learning including learning intentions and success criteria; planned critiques and ongoing dialogue to discuss choices and monitor progress, then plan next steps
  • A blend of classroom approaches including experiential, practical learning with staff facilitating, guiding and supporting learners
  • Collaborative learning: discussing, debating and sharing ideas and techniques; peer assessment to develop critical analysis skills as well as whole class learning
  • Collaboration projects might include: holding an art exhibition, working on a graphic design brief, producing material for a blog or website, organising a fashion show
  • Space for personalisation and choice: in both the expressive and the design units and in the Portfolio, with extensive research options
  • Applying learning to practical work with a solution-focused approach
  • Embedding literacy skills: researching and presenting information; evaluating; discussing; listening; talking.


Career Pathways

  • Marketing
  • Teaching
  • Fashion retail
  • Artist
  • Designer
  • Animator
  • Illustrator
  • Textile manufacture
  • Fashion merchandising
  • Costume design
  • Fashion design