Art & Design

S1 & S2 Overview:
Students explore core artistic skills through drawing, design, and mixed media projects, focusing online, tone, shape, pattern, colour, and texture. They experiment with different materials while developing creativity and technical ability.

In S1 and S2, students at Portlethen Academy explore fundamental artistic concepts through a variety of engaging projects. These years focus on developing core skills in drawing, design, and mixed media while introducing key visual elements such as line, tone, shape, pattern, colour, and texture. Students are encouraged to experiment with different materials and techniques, laying a strong foundation for future artistic growth.

Topics & Projects Covered:

• S1:

  • Folder Design – Typography and layout skills.

  • Still Life Drawing – Understanding tone, texture, and composition.

  • Logo Design – Introduction to graphic design and problem-solving.

  • Clay Creatures – 3D modelling and sculpture techniques.

  • Scottish Study – Exploration of tartan, tweed, and patternmaking.

• S2:

  • Folder Design – Scottish Flag theme, building on typography and layout.

  • Eye Tunnels – Personal identity and future aspirations through observational drawing.

  • Portraiture – Developing skills in facial proportions and tonal drawing.

  • Skateboard/Snowboard Design – Exploring shape, form, and composition.

  • Printmaking (Zentangle) – Creating polystyrene tile prints with colour theory application.

  • Sculpture Creatures – Working with mod-rock, wire, and clay for 3D form.

  • Scottish Study (Scott Naismith) – Landscape painting with a focus on colour mixing and composition.

S3 Overview:
 

S3 provides a bridge between the broad exploration of S1/S2, and the focused development required at National 4/5 level. Students deepen their understanding of Expressive and Design elements, refining practical skills and critical analysis while working on more independent projects.

Topics Covered & Skills Developed:

1. Expressive Work:

   • Portraiture & Figure Drawing – Accuracy in facial proportions, tonal variation, and light/shadow use.

   • Still Life & Observational Drawing – Understanding composition, detail, and realism.

   • Mixed Media Exploration – Experimentation with painting, charcoal, pastels, and ink.

2. Design Work:

   • Graphic Design – Branding, typography, and layout principles.

   • Product & Fashion Design – Concept development and material considerations.

   • Surface Pattern & Textile Design – Print techniques, colour theory, and creative patternmaking.

3. Art Theory & Critical Analysis:

   • Investigating historical and contemporary artists/designers.

   • Developing written responses and analytical skills.

   • Understanding how culture and personal experiences influence art.

S3 builds confidence and prepares students for further study in art, design, and creative industries.

Progression:

• National 4/5 Art & Design → Develops technical & analytical skills.

• Higher Art & Design → Advanced creative study.

• Creative Careers → Graphic design, fine art, fashion, architecture, etc.

Upon completing S3, pupils can continue with National 4 or National 5 Art & Design, developing their skills in Expressive (fine art, painting, drawing) and Design (graphic, product, textile design).

• National 4/5 Art & Design – For those interested in further developing practical and analytical skills.

• Higher Art & Design – A pathway for those aiming for advanced artistic study.

• Creative & Design-Based Careers – Graphic design, fashion, fine art, architecture, and beyond.

National 4

The National 4 Art and Design course provides students with practical and experiential learning opportunities, focusing on developing creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of art and design practices.

Course Structure:

The course comprises three mandatory units:

1. Art and Design: Expressive Activity

1. • Students explore factors that influence and inspire artists' work.

   • They produce observational drawings and studies, developing personal ideas in 2D and/or 3D formats.

   • Experimentation with various art materials, techniques, and technologies is encouraged.

2. Art and Design: Design Activity

1. • Students plan, research, and develop creative design ideas in response to a given brief.

   • They investigate designers' working practices and the influences on their work.

   • Practical skills are honed through experimenting with media in 2D and/or 3D formats.

3. Added Value Unit: Art and Design Practical Activity

1. • This unit synthesizes learning from the previous units.

   • Students produce one piece of expressive art and one design solution, applying their acquired skills and knowledge.

Assessment:

All units are internally assessed on a pass/fail basis. To achieve the National 4 qualification, students must pass all three units. There is no external examination for this course.

Entry Requirements:

Typically, students will have achieved National 3 Art and Design or have completed S3 Art and Design. The course acts as a bridge for those not quite ready for National 5 level to build the skills that will support them moving forward.

Progression Opportunities:

Upon successful completion, students can progress to:

• National 5 Art and Design: Allowing for further development of skills and knowledge.

• Other Qualifications: Such as National Certificates or vocational courses in related fields.

Skills Developed:

• Creative expression and personal response.

• Critical analysis of art and design practices.

• Technical proficiency in various media and techniques.

• Problem-solving and project management.

Exemplar Coursework Timeline:

• June-August: Introduction to course structure; begin initial research and idea development for both expressive and design projects.

• September- October: Develop and refine concepts; start preliminary sketches and prototypes; ongoing critical analysis of relevant artists and designers.

• November- December: Continue development; begin final pieces for both portfolios; receive formative feedback.

• January- March: Finalize and submit both portfolios before Spring Holidays; prepare for the written examination through revision sessions and practice papers.

SQA Resources:

For detailed information and resources, refer to the SQA National 4 Art and Design overview page. https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47385.html

This course not only enhances artistic skills but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, providing a foundation for various creative career paths.

National 5

TheN5 Art and Design course offers students an introductory experience in both expressive and design domains, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency through building a portfolio of work in different media.

Assessment Components:

The course assessment comprises three components:

1.   Question Paper (50 marks): A 75-minute written examination divided into two sections:

o   Section 1: Expressive Art Studies.

o   Section 2: Design Studies.

2.  Expressive Portfolio (100 marks): Development and final piece showcasing the student's expressive work.

3.  Design Portfolio (100 marks): Development and final design solution responding to a given brief.

For detailed information, refer to the SQA N5 Art and Design Course Specification.

National 5 Art and Design - Course overview and resources - SQA

Entry Requirements:

Candidates should have reached level 4 in their S3 work before considering N5 Art and Design.

Progression Opportunities:

Upon successful completion, students can progress to:

•   Higher Art and Design

•   Advanced Higher Art and Design: Further specialisation in expressive or design areas.

•   Further Education Courses: Such as HNC/HND programs in art and design disciplines.

•   Higher Education: Pursuing undergraduate degrees in fields like fine art, design, architecture, or related areas.

Concepts and Skills Developed:

•   Creative expression and personal response.

•   Critical analysis of art and design practices.

•   Technical proficiency in various media and techniques.

•   Problem-solving and project management.

Coursework Timeline:

•   June-August: Introduction to course structure; begin initial research and idea development for both expressive and design projects.

•   September- October: Develop and refine concepts; start preliminary sketches and prototypes; ongoing critical analysis of relevant artists and designers.

•   November- December: Continue development; begin final pieces for both portfolios; receive formative feedback.

•   January- March: Finalise and submit both portfolios before Spring Holidays; prepare for the written examination through revision sessions and practice papers.

•   May: Sit the written examination; reflect on and evaluate personal progress throughout the course.

For comprehensive resources and updates, visit the SQA N5 Art and Design overview page. National 5 Art and Design - Course overview and resources - SQA

Example portfolios can be viewed on the Understanding Standards Website, (please note, design portfolios cannot be found publicly due to copyright, these can be shown by staff in school but not shared out with) SQA - Understanding Standards: National 5

This course not only equips students with artistic skills but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, laying a solid foundation for various creative career paths.

Higher

The Higher Art and Design course offers students an immersive experience in both expressive and design domains, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency.

Assessment Components:

The course assessment comprises three components:

1.   Question Paper (60 marks): A 2-hour written examination divided into two sections:

o   Section 1: Expressive Art Studies.

o   Section 2: Design Studies.

2.  Expressive Portfolio (100 marks): Development and final piece showcasing the student's expressive work.

3.  Design Portfolio (100 marks): Development and final design solution responding to a given brief.

For detailed information, refer to the SQA Higher Art and Design Course Specification. https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47892.html

Entry Requirements:

it's recommended that candidates have achieved the National 5 Art and Design course at a A-B pass to complete the higher course due to the jump in expectations.

Progression Opportunities:

Upon successful completion, students can progress to:

•   Advanced Higher Art and Design: Further specialization in expressive or design areas.

•   Further Education Courses: Such as HNC/HND programs in art and design disciplines.

•   Higher Education: Pursuing undergraduate degrees in fields like fine art, design, architecture, or related areas.

Concepts and Skills Developed:

•   Creative expression and personal response.

•   Critical analysis of art and design practices.

•   Technical proficiency in various media and techniques.

•   Problem-solving and project management.

Coursework Timeline:

•   June-August: Introduction to course structure; begin initial research and idea development for both expressive and design projects.

•   September- October: Develop and refine concepts; start preliminary sketches and prototypes; ongoing critical analysis of relevant artists and designers.

•   November- December: Continue development; begin final pieces for both portfolios; receive formative feedback.

•   January- March: Finalize and submit both portfolios before Spring Holidays; prepare for the written examination through revision sessions and practice papers.

•   May: Sit the written examination; reflect on and evaluate personal progress throughout the course.

For comprehensive resources and updates, visit the SQA Higher Art and Design overview page. https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47892.html.

Example portfolios can be viewed on the Understanding Standards Website, (please note, design portfolios cannot be found publicly due to copyright, these can be shown by staff in school but not shared out with) https://www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/ArtandDesign/higher

This course not only equips students with artistic skills but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, laying a solid foundation for various creative career paths.

Advanced Higher

Advanced Higher students are given the choice between working in either Design or Expressive work which builds on the skills and experiences they have in both N5 and then Higher, the experience should be more like that of an Art Student with regular “crits” checking in with their Tutor (Teacher) and exploring a theme that is meaningful to them, alongside this the contextual studies is a holistic analysis of Artist or Designers work which is meaningful to them and their project. I feel that it is the most creative and freeing of all the courses and is excellent for those who may want to pursue an Art career and or just enjoy the freedom of setting their own themes and being immersed in their own creativity in order to develop and produce work in often very exciting and different approaches.

“Advanced Higher Art and Design (Design) gives learners the opportunity to extend and apply the design skills they have developed during the Higher Art and Design course or elsewhere. It enables learners to demonstrate personal autonomy and creative decision making when developing and realising their design ideas and solutions.”

“The Advanced Higher Art and Design (Expressive) course provides opportunities for learners to develop their creativity, visual awareness and understanding of aesthetic, while exploring how to communicate their personal thoughts, ideas and opinions through their expressive artwork. This involves visually exploring and responding in an individual way to stimuli, researching challenging expressive art contexts and evaluating how artists respond creatively to stimuli.”

The portfolio has 100 marks.

In both Expressive and Design folios candidates should present development ideas/solutions in 2D or 3D completing minimum or equivalent of 6 Sheets of A1 to a maximum of 12 A1 sheets.

Students should show skills in techniques/technology and materials to creatively develop progressive lines of coherent continuity alongside understanding of Design or Expressive practice and complete an in depth critical analysis of a single expressive or Design piece or a group of closely related works by Artist and/or Designers , they are to evaluate the work accordingly being careful to be aware of turning points and creative Decision's they make succinctly.

 64 marks will be awarded for practical design work, 30 marks for critical analysis and 6 marks for evaluation. The critical analysis is marked holistically alongside the portfolio, A Design brief for Design work must also be presented as does any research and investigative photos, inspiration and Artist and or Designers work. The Evaluation is worth 6 marks.

In progress

BLURB

Looking for extra help with your National 5 or Higher Art & Design studies? We've got you covered with a range of online and in-person revision options!

 Online Resources:

• Microsoft Teams – Staff regularly upload revision materials, exemplar work, and key course information. Make sure you're checking your class Teams page for updates!

• Esgoil – Offers free, online revision support sessions led by experienced teachers. A great way to reinforce learning from home! (Esgoil)

• Achieve – Provides additional revision resources tailored to National 5 and Higher students.

 Supported Study:

• Every Tuesday after school (15:30 - 17:00) in the Art & Design Department. This is a great opportunity to get one-on-one support, refine your coursework, or work on exam preparation in a focused environment.

Take advantage of these resources to build confidence in your skills and achieve your best in Art & Design!

Art & Design offers a range of progression routes depending on students' interests and ambitions. Whether pursuing creative careers or using art skills in broader fields, there are multiple options to explore. 

Transferable Skills for Other Careers:
Art & Design develops problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and communication, useful in fields like marketing, education, psychology, and business.

Where Can Art & Design Take You?
Art & Design is more than just a subject—it’s a pathway to creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. While some students will go on to work in creative industries such as graphic design, architecture, fashion, and digital media, many others use the skills gained in this subject to excel in a variety of careers.

Wider Skills Development & Career Opportunities

By studying Art & Design, students develop key employability skills that are highly valued in today’s job market, including:

·   Creativity & Innovation – Thinking outside the box to solve problems.

·   Critical Thinking – Evaluating and improving ideas effectively.

·   Communication Skills – Expressing concepts visually and verbally.

·   Collaboration & Teamwork – Working with others on projects.

·   Resilience & Adaptability – Taking feedback and improving work.

·   Attention to Detail – Precision in design, planning, and execution.

These skills are in demand across industries, from marketing and advertising to engineering and business.

Pathways & Next Steps

At Portlethen Academy, students can progress through the following Art & Design courses:

• National 4 & 5 Art & Design

• Higher Art & Design

• Advanced Higher Art & Design

After school, students may pursue:
College & University Courses – Fine Art, Graphic Design, Game Design, Animation, Interior Design, Product Design, Fashion, and more.
Creative Apprenticeships & Careers – Tattoo Artistry, Set Design, Illustration, Advertising, Art Therapy, Teaching.
Transferable Skills for Any Industry – Business, Marketing, Events, Education, and Psychology.

Discover More Careers in Art & Design!

🔗 My World of Work – Explore careers in the creative sector: MWOW Website
🔗 Planit Plus – Career areas in Art & Design: Planit Website
🔗 DYW Careers Poster – Art & Design Career Poster

Art & Design is a gateway to countless creative and professional opportunities—whether you're designing the next big fashion brand, illustrating for a global company, or using your problem-solving skills in an unexpected field. Unleash your creativity and shape the future!