ART & DESIGN

Staff Members

J. Gibson – Principal Teacher Art & Design
K. Murray – Teacher of Art & Design
L. Maestranzi – Teacher of Art & Design & Photography
C. Hamilton - Teacher of Art & Design & Photography
J. MacDonald – Probationer Teacher of Art & Design

Introduction

The Art and Design Department aims to assist students to achieve their full creative potential through learning experiences which are enjoyable and challenging.

Art & Design courses enable learners to communicate personal thoughts and feelings. Learners can develop their ideas using Art and Design medias, techniques and technologies to demonstrate knowledge and understanding whilst, appreciating Art and Design practice. Learners get the opportunity to use their imagination and develop their own individual style.

Through Art and Design, learners have rich opportunities to be creative and to experience inspiration and enjoyment. They will explore a wide range of 2D and 3D medias, techniques and technologies, some of which are: drawing & painting, ceramics, photography and printmaking. Students will be given the opportunity to create, express, problem solve and communicate ideas for both expressive and design work. Students will explore the work of other artists and designers to broaden and enhance their knowledge and understanding in the form a written element. Pupils will have the opportunity to present their artwork for display to parents and the wider community. At the end of each Unit students will evaluate their work and progress.

S1 students will be introduced to lessons and units of work which are based around the visual elements of line, colour and texture.
S2 students will be introduced to lessons and units of work that are based around visual elements of shape, pattern, tone and form. S2 students will also have the opportunity to work to a design brief.

Please have a look at our virtual art gallery: Belmont Academy Exhibition

S3 Art & Design

In S3, students will focus on 2 main projects which are directly in line with the National 5 course. These are as follows:

Expressive Unit:

Students will develop their skills and communicate personal thoughts, feelings and ideas by using a range of art materials, techniques and technologies. Students will develop a theme working towards a final expressive artwork. Students will evaluate their own work and critically analyse the work of related artists.

Design Unit:

Students will work through the design process in response to a design brief and experiment with a range of media and technologies. Students will develop and communicate imaginative design solutions working towards a final outcome. Students will evaluate their own work and critically analyse the work of related designers.

All Art and Design Units of work offer personalisation, choice, flexibility, transferable skills and progression.

Within the Art and Design department we offer the following senior phase courses:

National 4 Art and Design

National 5 Art and Design
Higher Art and Design
Higher Photography
Advanced Higher Art and Design

National 4/5 & Higher Art & Design

Within National 4, 5 and Higher Art and Design the course has three main components:

Expressive Activity – still life/portraiture
Design Activity – 2D or 3D design – graphic design/fashion
Art and Design Studies – written work

All of these activities will give learners the opportunity to explore their ideas and art and design work using a range of materials, techniques and formats in 2D and 3D.

Students sitting National 5 and Higher Art & Design will be required to sit a written exam.

Advanced Higher Art & Design

In Advanced Higher Art, students will choose to study either Expressive OR Design. Along with their practical work students will complete a written contextual analysis on an artist’s or a designer’s work as well as completing an evaluation.

Higher Photography

Within Higher Photography Students will learn how to plan and carry out practical photographic work. They investigate selected photographers’ work and practice and explain how external influences impact on these. They use this understanding of photographers and their work when developing their own personal approaches to photography. They learn and apply a range of image-making techniques. Students develop their creative problem-solving skills as they resolve visual and technical problems. They also reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of their practice and the qualities of their photographic work. Students sitting Higher Photography will be required to sit a written exam. Students who have taken Higher Photography have commented on how much they have enjoyed the course.

Supported Study/Clubs

The Art and Design department boasts a wide range of extra-curricular activities, supported study sessions, trips and clubs. Please contact the department for more information.