Art and Design is delivered at all levels with in person teacher Miss Currie so that all pupils can reach their fullest creative potential. The BGE and senior phase courses offer a bespoke and tailored creative curriculum to meet individual needs where inclusivity is a central approach.
S1 and 2’s access their course one block per week and S3’s have two blocks per week and this time is expanded at Higher level where pupils carry out 4 blocks per week. Miss Currie is developing the new and innovative subject Creative Industries. THS offers these courses at all BGE levels in order for pupils to reach level five at present with the aim of progressing this level to6 in 2026 and beyond.
Art and Design education at Tiree High School plays a vital role in the development of pupils from the Broad General Education Phase to the Senior Phase. Through these bespoke curriculums created and developed meticulously by Miss Currie, pupils engage in a journey that builds creative, innovative & essential key skills as well as prepares them for future academic and career paths.
In the early stages, specifically in S1 and S2, students begin to explore their creativity and develop foundational skills through the exploration of mediums, techniques and processes. These adapting and creative skills are crucial as they lead to elective courses that prepare pupils for National level qualifications with time management and resilience being key skills.This progression continues into Higher and Advanced Higher courses, where students refine their abilities and deepen their understanding of Art and Design providing pupils to be critical thinkers, analysts, and problem solvers. The curriculum is divided into three main components designed in line with each age and stage throughout the years:
Expressive Studies, Design Studies, and Critical Studies.
Expressive Studies: This area focuses on the creation of art through various mediums, including drawing and painting. Students learn to express their ideas and emotions creatively. They experiment with different techniques and materials, fostering their artistic skills and personal style.
2. Design Studies: In this component, pupils engage with design briefs that challenge them to solve problems creatively. They learn to think critically about design, develop their conceptual ideas, and bring them to fruition. This practical approach helps pupils understand the design process and enhances their technical skills.
3. Critical Studies: This part of the curriculum encourages pupils to analyse and evaluate the work of various artists and designers. By studying real-life contexts, pupils build their literacy and evaluative skills. They learn to form their own opinions and justify their critiques, which enriches their understanding of art and supports their practical coursework.
Pupils will create Both Design and Expressive Portfolios of work as well as create a bank of Art Critical studies to reflect their folio’s.
Choosing to undertake art courses instills skills that are valuable beyond the classroom. Young people learn to think creatively and critically, skills that are applicable in many areas of life and work. The ability to analyse, evaluate, and create is essential in a world that increasingly values innovation and problem-solving.
Art and Design education offers young people a comprehensive experience that nurtures their creativity, develops essential skills, and prepares them for future challenges. Through expressive, design, and critical studies, pupils not only grow as artists but also as thoughtful individuals equipped for life beyond school.