National 4

Learners will begin by focusing on the investigation and experimental development of creative ideas.  The ideas should be informed and influenced by aspects of the candidates’ understanding of how artists and designers create their work and the things which  influenced them.
Candidates will be working to an agreed theme/brief and will have had some involvement in choosing the context and scope for their art and design work.
Learners will provide evidence of reflecting on their work and creative options and choices. They will show their ability to identify creative choices, to reach decisions and to use problem solving skills while developing their ideas; helping them communicate their ideas about their subject or theme.

Entry to course

You will have completed Art and Design in S3.
Pupils will not be placed at their levels until they have worked through the units. Decisions on working levels will be based on the quality of both written and practical work produced by the pupils.
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Expressive activity


  • Identifying and investigating themes.
  • Research artists’ working practices, describing how social and cultural influences affect the artists’ work.
  • Reflecting on and evaluating their own and other artists’ work.
  • Analytical drawing from first hand sources.
  • Developing media handling skills.
  • Developing and resolving personal ideas imaginatively in 2D/3D.

Assessment

National 4 units and the further Added Value portfolio are internally assessed. There is no external exam at NAT4.

Design Activity

  • Identifying and investigating themes.
  • Research into designers’ working practices, describing how social and cultural influences affect the designers’ work.
  • Reflecting on and evaluating their own and other designers’ work.
  • Investigating requirements, constraints and problems.
  • Considering ideas towards a solution.
Developing skills, making informed choices and evaluation.​

See Some Examples