Standard Grade Art
Topics taught
There are three units to Standard Grade Art and Design: Expressive and Design make up the practical elements. Critical involves two essays that relate to the practical units.
In Expressive, the pupils will either explore figure composition or still life. Painting and printmaking along with mixed media are core elements that are taught. In relation to these we would analyse relevant artists, especially when working on a specific style i.e. Fauvism, Cubism.
The Design unit involves Visual Communication exploring different aspects of graphics, i.e. posters, packaging, logos, typography, etc. The pupils are expected to engage in problem solving on a specific brief issued to them. Again, in relation to these, the pupils are expected to analyse and research appropriate graphic designs, both past and present.
Homework requirements
Homework can involve the three elements. The pupils are expected to research subjects and be visually aware through collating examples and note-making. A vital part of homework is developing draughtsmanship skills: analytical drawing from primary sources is therefore a regular task. We also include transcriptions of artists’ and designers’ work.
Assessment details (internal and external) The Design unit is internally assessed in four elements, i.e. research, development, outcome and evaluation. The first three elements are all practical and equally weighted. The evaluation consists of 10% of the unit.
The Expressive unit culminates in a 5 hour exam and is externally assessed by the S.Q.A.
The two Critical essays are also externally assessed by S.Q.A.
Next steps
Pupils can develop their art at a deeper level by opting for the Higher course. If their Standard Grade was below at credit level they have the opportunity to opt for Intermediate 2.