Art

A hub of creativity, exploration and excellence.

Our Senior School artists are inspired by the light filled, double storey space with access to an external courtyard, giving pupils an inviting learning hub that encourages creativity and ingenuity.

Pupils have the opportunity to work in a number of areas including graphic, textile, product and fashion design, alongside building upon their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and clay work. They are given the opportunity to develop their practical skills and techniques that aid creative thinking expression, helping pupils to gain a greater understanding of the role of art in society. Many go on to show off their talents in a variety of external art competitions throughout the year.

Art is not what you see but what you make others see.Edgar Degas

From Transitus until Second Year, our pupils take part in Art and Design as a timetabled subject. During these three years, they learn to express emotions and convey their feelings in creative projects, finding out about specific artistic styles and techniques through both practical and investigative work. Alongside traditional art skills, our pupils use the latest digital technology to create exciting and innovative art and design work. Junior classes enjoy the opportunity to enter art competitions, improve their drawing and painting skills, and work with various materials to create 3D sculptures. They also have the chance to learn about photography, and participate in product, fashion and costume design projects.

In Third and Fourth Year, Art and Design can be chosen as an individual SQA subject at National 5 level, before pupils advance to the Higher course in Fifth Year. At this stage, pupils delve deeper into the exhilarating world of art and design, building upon their expressive skills in drawing, painting and mark making, and developing their design skills in 3D model making, textile and graphic design. Our pupils become more familiar with the world of artists and designers, with regular visits to prestigious art galleries and museums incorporated into the curriculum.

Our Advanced Higher course gives Sixth Year pupils the opportunity to work independently. AH pupils chose to specialise in either Expressive or Design work, with those opting to apply to Art School creating a portfolio of work alongside their Advanced Higher studies. Sixth Year pupils have their own studio, allowing them the freedom to push themselves to be as experimental and expressive as possible.

Many former pupils of the School have progressed on to careers in art and design fields such as architecture, graphics, textiles, fashion, jewellery and silversmithing, animation and product design, as well as fine art and painting.