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Hand painting - a recent fine art project for the third form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ART AND DESIGN DEPARTMENT

"Creativity exists more in the searching than in the finding" Stephen Nachmanovich

STAFF

Director of Art and Design Gillian Macleod

Assistant Teacher Pauline Hann

 

PHILOSOPHY

The syllabus is founded on the principle that a successful Art and Design education should offer students opportunities for personal, social and creative development within a cultural context. Particularly relevant are the transferable skills that are gained through the research and development processes involved in the practice of Art and Design and these skills of analysis, problem solving, divergent thinking, conceptual thinking and communication can be applied in variety of contexts.

Art and Design studies focus initially on the importance of observational drawing as an investigative tool and foundation for further study. In parallel to this approach to drawing, it is also essential that students, from an early age, gain an understanding of 'visual thinking' and acquire a knowledge and understanding of 'visual vocabulary.' All of these aspects are vigorously pursued, in particular through the sketchbook.

In order to achieve these aims, the syllabus has been broadened to include a wide range of Design disciplines e.g. the Applied Arts such as Jewellery, Ceramics and Textiles, Graphics and Illustration and Computer Aided Design, including Animation. Students are also offered the opportunity to study Architecture, Interior Design and all aspects of Fine Art including Photography, Printmaking and Life Drawing for the senior students.

All of this study is underpinned by contextual referencing through regular visits to exhibitions and museums throughout Scotland and the use of virtual galleries and visual databases on the internet. Regular Master-classes with visiting high profile artists and designers are also a key feature of the department's activities, allowing students the rare privilege of working alongside practicing artists who are specialists in their field.

Philosophy | Syllabus | History of Art | Resources | Exhibition | Masterclasses | Wearable Art | Life Drawing | Art College Entry | Careers | Successes | Staff Profiles

SYLLABUS

YEARS 2 AND 3

Students are offered a broad range of projects which are both Fine Art and Design based. They are encouraged to visually investigate primarily through observational drawing, working in a variety of media. They are introduced to the visual elements e.g. line, tone, form, texture, colour, pattern, while also acquiring skills and abilities to create and design and as well as analyze the work of contemporary Artists and Designers.

YEARS 4 AND 5 GCSE

Years 4 and 5 focus on in depth visual research and acquiring an understanding of the creative processes involved. This is directed towards Fine Art outcomes which may be a painting, drawing, print, sculpture etc. and Design outcomes which may be towards Screen-printing and Wearable Art for Performance. In the final Controlled Test, students may select to work in either Fine Art or Design. All studies are placed in context by relating work to contemporary and historical practice through the study of individual artists and designers

LOWER 6 TH AS

This year continues with in depth visual research undertaken primarily in the sketchbook. Each student will undertake a Fine Art and Design and project. As for G.C.S.E, they can choose from a wide range of media and practice e.g. painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, film, textiles, ceramics, furniture design, jewellery, architecture etc. In the Controlled Test they will focus one area of study. Students also undertake a major written Personal investigation. Contextual referencing continues to be an essential component at this level.

As well as the Mixed Area of Studies as outlined above, the Department also offers the Endorsed Textiles and Photography Courses.

UPPER 6 TH A2

In the final year of A -Level, students continue with more advanced visual research and development, focusing on a major project in a chosen discipline which forms the main focus of study for two terms. They also undertake a major written and visual Personal Study. In the Controlled Test, they continue in the same discipline with a theme set by the examination board. At this level, students gain an experience very similar to Foundation/entry level at Art and Design College , which is particularly useful to those wishing to pursue further study in Art and Design. Contextual referencing continues to be an essential component at this level.

ASSESSMENT AND CONTROLLED TEST (EXAMINATION)

All Coursework and Personal Investigations/studies are continuously assessed.

The Controlled Test is assessed at the end of the course in May.

Years 3 and 4 marks are aggregated for GCSE and Years 6 and 7 marks are aggregated for A level.

Philosophy | Syllabus | History of Art | Resources | Exhibition | Masterclasses | Wearable Art | Life Drawing | Art College Entry | Careers | Successes | Staff Profiles

HISTORY OF ART

History of Art (AQA)

Is modern art an enormous confidence trick?

Why is the Renaissance regarded as so important?

Studying the history of Art will not instantly answer these questions, but it will enable you to discuss difficult cultural issues lucidly, coherently and with authority: precisely the qualities demanded by university courses in all the humanities. Our approach encourages these skills by emphasising the value of group discussions and the pupils' own reading and thought.

This course will interest pupils who enjoy art and history, and who have some knowledge of the Classical world. It is designed to encourage pupils to look at works of art and to provide background knowledge of the history of art from earliest times to the present day.

AS Module 1
An introduction to the history of painting, sculpture, architecture and design from 1400 to the present day.

AS Module 2
The Birth and Rebirth of Western Art

The western tradition from Greek and Roman times to the High Renaissance (c.1527).

AS Module 3
Art of the Modern World

Modern art, architecture and design from c.1850 until 1990.

A2 Module 4
Centre-Assessed Project of about 3000 words

A2 Module 5
Art and Architecture in early Renaissance Florence

A2 Module 6
The Impressionist period

Careers and Higher Education

History of Art is a respected subject which combines well with most other subjects. The discipline provides a good basis for further study in many fields including media, conservation, restoration, museum work and the fine arts and antiques world.

RESOURCES AND ORGANISATION

The department is housed in purpose built accommodation and is well resourced with a range of specialist areas. The course is organized on a studio system with dedicated spaces for each activity. This system allows the senior students to have their own workspace and the use of specialist equipment. This allows students the flexibility for working out-with timetabled class sessions.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

The department is well resourced with specialist equipment including a CAD suite. There is also a specialist textile room with screen-printing table, sewing and knitting machines and a loom. In addition to this, there is a dark room, kiln room and a well stocked Art and Design library.

A wide range of materials are provided although it is necessary to charge for some specialist materials. Students are also provided with their own tool box of basic Art and Design materials

EXHIBITION

The annual exhibition performs two functions. Firstly and crucially, it is the final presentation of each student's Coursework and Controlled Test to the External Examination Moderator who is appointed by the exam board. Under staff supervision, students are expected to take responsibility for the careful mounting and presentation of their work and time will be allocated for this.

The exhibition also provides an important showcase for students' work and the opportunity for parents and other visitors to view the wide range of work.

Philosophy | Syllabus | History of Art | Resources | Exhibition | Masterclasses | Wearable Art | Life Drawing | Art College Entry | Careers | Successes | Staff Profiles

MASTERCLASSES

In recent years, the Department has presented a very successful series of Art and Design Master-classes featuring prominent Artists. These have proved to be excellent catalysts for further study and individual project development

To date, we have welcomed:

 

Screen printing workshop with Norman Lynn, University of Dundee

 

Fine art workshop with Will MacLean Professor of Fine Art, University of Dundee

Ceramics workshop with Lara Scobie, University of Dundee

Philosophy | Syllabus | History of Art | Resources | Exhibition | Masterclasses | Wearable Art | Life Drawing | Art College Entry | Careers | Successes | Staff Profiles

WEARABLE ART SHOW

This has now established itself as a much anticipated feature in the College calendar, involving as it does students from all year groups.

Again, last June's show was a collaborative venture involving designers, models, the Drama and Music departments, comperes and all the volunteer helpers including hairdressers. This year's show is keenly awaited by all.

 

LIFE DRAWING

From Lower 6 th upwards, students are offered Life Drawing, working from a model. The study of portraiture and life drawing has traditionally been a focus for artists and it is still considered a measure of ability by Art School entrance portfolio panels and by introducing this discipline, potential applicants are given the opportunity to strengthen their folios. It is also essential for those students wishing to focus on figurative work and portraiture. This is offered as a series of intensive Sunday afternoon sessions normally during Michaelmas and Lent terms.

Philosophy | Syllabus | History of Art | Resources | Exhibition | Masterclasses | Wearable Art | Life Drawing | Art College Entry | Careers | Successes | Staff Profiles

COLLEGE ENTRY AND PORTFOLIO PREPARATION

Students wishing to apply to Art and Design College must start to prepare their entrance portfolio from Lower 6 th onwards. Staff offer individual tutorials on this as well as an annual visit to the entrance portfolio exhibition at the University of Dundee .

FURTHER STUDY AND CAREERS IN ART AND DESIGN

Within Art and Design, the range of disciplines may include Fine Art i.e. Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, Time Based Art, Printmaking, Art and Philosophy and Contemporary Practice, History and Theory of Art and Design, Applied Arts such as Jewellery, Textiles, Ceramics, Theatre, Costume and Fashion Design, Graphics, Visual Communication and Animation, as well as newer courses such as Multi Media and Computer Aided Design etc.

There are a wide range of Art and Design courses on offer, as well as related courses such as, Architecture, Product and Furniture Design, Interior and Environmental Design, Film Studies etc. Academic routes into these disciplines can be pursued in a number of ways including, Portfolio courses, Foundation courses, Further Education and Degree courses. All prospective applicants seeking further study are given individual advice and support as regards the most appropriate route and discipline for them.

Careers in Art and Design are many and varied and encompass Fine Art and Design Studio practice, exhibition and museum curator-ship, education, design for industry and commerce as well as film, television, publication, advertising, and the digital industries etc.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND SUCCESSES

This year, 2007, a pupil gained a highly coveted place at Edinburgh College of Art.

During 2004/05, the Art and Design Department gained the best results in the College, with 92% of students scoring A or B grades (12 candidates) at 'A' Level.

Rebecca Rumble gained a place to study Interactive Media Design at the University of Dundee .

James Emslie deferred entry from 03/04 and subsequently gained a place at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen , while 03/04 leaver Sally Bound did exceptionally well to gain a second year direct entry place to study Fashion Design at the University of Northumbria .

Tori Bullough gained a Distinction in her Foundation Year at Central St Martins School of Art and is now studying Spatial Design and Architecture at Chelsea School of Art. In 2004, David Crozier went on to study Architecture at Strathclyde University .

ACTIVITIES

The department offers activities for all students on four weekday afternoons and it is also normally open with staff in attendance, on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Philosophy | Syllabus | History of Art | Resources | Exhibition | Masterclasses | Wearable Art | Life Drawing | Art College Entry | Careers | Successes | Staff Profiles

STAFF PROFILES

Director of Art and Design Gillian Macleod graduated from The Scottish College of Textiles, Faculty of Textiles, Heriot Watt University in 1991 where she was awarded The Dawson International Design Technology Award in her final year. Prior to graduating from Moray House Institute of Education in 1993, she was involved professionally in Design. Since entering the teaching profession, she has been sole teacher of Art & Design at a co-educational boarding and day school in England and until her appointment at Glenalmond in 2003, she taught Art & Design at Elgin Academy .

Gillian has extensive experience of teaching across all age groups and has extended her skills across several disciplines. This has included Photography, Ceramics and Computer Aided Design, including Animation. She also enjoys Portraiture and has taken on several commissions, primarily of children. A keen photographer, she started teaching photography seven years ago and has now re-established photography at the college. She has also established Ceramics to extend 3-D sculpture facilities.

Assistant Teacher Pauline Hann graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and Dundee College of Education in the early 1970's. Until 2003, she taught in Duncan of Jordanstone College, University of Dundee in a number of capacities, including many years teaching students in the First Year General Course in Art and Design. Latterly, Pauline was Continuing Professional Development Course Manager in the Centre for Professional Development for Art and Design, which involved developing and delivering courses, teaching resources and publications for Art and Design Teachers throughout Scotland . As a practicing artist, Pauline regularly exhibits her own artwork and has had her work featured in many journals and publications. She is also presently Exhibition Coordinator of the national professional Textile Artists group, EDGE-Textile Artists Scotland.