In Art and Design when learners are…

Creating, they will:

• draw with reasonable accuracy of representation from direct observation.

• select and apply media, techniques and visual elements to depict the visual qualities of objects, including fine detail.

• apply a combination of technical concepts, including ellipses with a degree of accuracy to create realistic form.

Presenting, they will:

• demonstrate understanding of how visual elements can create effect, mood and atmosphere.

• devise and use a workable process to take their own ideas to a solution, in design and expressive work.

Evaluating and appreciating, they will:

• select and interpret information from a range of sources.

• through analysis, demonstrate understanding of how artists and designers convey ideas, and effects.

• demonstrate giving and accepting constructive comment about their own and others’ work including the work of professionals.

Art and Design – N3, N4, N5, H In the Senior Phase, at all levels, we continue to build on pupils’ prior learning and experiences in Art and Design. Courses delivered enable pupils to communicate personal thoughts, feelings and ideas using art and design media, materials, techniques and/or technologies; to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and appreciation of art and design practice; to work imaginatively and develop individual creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking and reflective practice.

At all levels there are 2 Mandatory Units – Expressive Activity and Design Activity. In Expressive Activity pupils will develop their personal thoughts and ideas in visual form and experiment with media in either 2D or 3D. In Design Activity pupils will plan, research and develop creative design proposals. This will help to develop their creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. At National 4 level there is an additional Added Value Unit in Art and Design Practical Activity. At National 5 and Higher level there is also Course Assessment which includes a portfolio and a Question Paper.

We continue to use the methodologies from the BGE but with more emphasis on pupil autonomy and independent learning. Homework continues to be an important part of courses, and pupils are expected to, on a regular basis, continue with practical coursework at home.

Individual assessment will be on-going throughout each course. All mandatory units are internally assessed within the department, subject to SQA verification and quality assurance. Course Assessment including the portfolio and question paper are marked by SQA.

“I took art and design because it’s an interesting subject and I think it’s fun to be creative.”

– Anonymous National 5 Art and Design Student

“I took art because it’s chill and expressive. It’s an overall good subject to take.”

-Mathew Wardel, National 5 Art and Design Student

In Dance when learners are…

Creating, they will:

• demonstrate control and fluency by applying choreographic devices.

Presenting, they will:

• create and perform dance sequences inspired by dance from different styles and cultures.

Evaluating and appreciating, they will:

• demonstrate their knowledge from research to enhance dance performance.

• demonstrate giving and accepting constructive comment about their own and others’ work, including the work of professionals.

Dance (National 5)

In the Senior Phase, we continue to build on pupils’ prior learning and experiences in Dance through Choreography and Technical Skills. National 5 provides more scope for personalisation and choice and skills development.

At National 5 level there are 2 Mandatory Units – Technical Skills and Choreography.  In Technical Skills pupils will develop their technical dance skills. This will be developed in a range of dance styles before being applied to choreographed sequences. Choreography will develop and use self-expression and creative problem-solving skills to create short choreographed sequences. At this level there is also Course Assessment which includes a performance and a practical activity.

We continue to use the methodologies from the BGE but with more emphasis on pupil autonomy and group work. Homework continues to be an important part of the Dance course and pupils are expected to learn choreographed routines on a regular basis to consolidate classroom learning this will help to enhance performance.

Individual assessment will be on-going throughout each course. All mandatory units are internally assessed within the Dance department, subject to SQA verification and quality assurance. There is an external performance to a Visiting Assessor.

Showcases and Performances

At Mearns Academy, we have been known to have many showcases. Usually around November we will showcase our talented musicians, artists and actors in an evening full of performances and exhibitions. Students from our Music Technology, Art & Design and Photography courses exhibit work and our Drama and Music students put on some short performances in the theatre.

In Drama when learners are…

Creating, they will:

• Be devising dramas using a variety of interesting stimuli, photographs, quotes, text, for a range of purposes and target audiences.

• Develop characterisation, experimenting with voice, accents, aging, tone, and movement techniques, playing with posture, status, style, and learning about people and what

makes us who we are.

Presenting, they will:

• Become accustomed to presenting dramas to an audience, portraying a range of distinctive sustained characters using dramatic techniques such as a range of voice, language and movement skills to enhance characterisation.

• Selecting from an exciting range of theatre arts and technologies such as lighting design and sound recording, to enhance performance and create an appropriate atmosphere for a drama performance.

Evaluating, they will:

• Learn to constructively evaluate and reflect on their work and the work of others, showing understanding of a range of drama techniques, and suggesting improvements using the appropriate drama terminology.

• Demonstrate accepting constructive comments about their work, learning from one another and using feedback to improve their work

Showcases and Performances

At Mearns Academy, we have hosted many school shows, such as “The Importance of Being Ernest”, “High School Musical”, We Will Rock You and many more to come. Drama is a key subject for all year groups to experience as it helps grow confidence in every individual, whilst opening new opportunities for those who enjoy performing.

“I chose to take drama because it is a fun subject and helps me with my confidence. I love having a double period working with my friends in a stress-free environment.”

-Charlotte Harris, National 5 Drama Student

“I chose drama because it’s really fun and I enjoy preforming in front of an audience. National 5 was good, we mainly spent the year learning the written part of the course and terminology, which really helped for the exam. The practical exam was the best part of the whole course.”

-Wiktoria Draganek, Higher Drama Student

In Music when learners are…

 Creating, they will:

• Produce a composition/improvisation folio demonstrating exploration of melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, structure, dynamics and music technology compositions/improvisations will demonstrate skills acquired through performance.

Presenting, they will:

• Perform music on at least two instruments/voice from a range of styles and culture demonstrating accurate pitch, melody, rhythm, timbre and dynamics.

• Use performance directions, musical notation and/or playing by ear.

• Demonstrate a musical flow with acceptable accuracy. Sing/play in parts with clear diction, in tune and with good posture.

Evaluating and appreciating, they will:

• Evaluate and analyse music listened to from a range of styles and cultures, identifying features and concepts heard.

• Demonstrate giving and accepting constructive comment about their own and others’ work, including the work of professionals

Music – N3, N4, N5, H and AH

In the Senior Phase, at all levels, we continue to build on pupils’ prior learning and experiences in creating, understanding and performing music. All courses provide more scope for personalisation and choice and skills development. Pupils will also develop their understanding of musical literacy and add depth to their learning, raising their social and cultural awareness of music.

At all levels, there are 3 Mandatory Units – Composing Skills, understanding (and analysing) Music and Performing Skills. At National 4 level there is an additional Added Value Unit in performance.

The National 5 course consists of students creating their own assignment, usually a composition, as well as a practical exam of playing 8 minutes of music on two instruments of the pupil’s choice. The National 5 course also has a listening and question paper exam in May.

For the Higher Music course, it is a more detailed and intricate version of the National 5 course. It is aimed for students who want to broaden their knowledge of music and understanding music. The higher and advanced higher courses help students make their own original music whilst learning composition methods in class. The students also do a lot of performing on their instruments.

We continue to use the methodologies from the BGE but with more emphasis on pupil autonomy and independent learning. Homework continues to be an important part of the Music course, and pupils are expected to revise concepts and practice their instruments on a regular basis to consolidate classroom learning this will enhance knowledge, skills and understanding.

Individual assessment will be on-going throughout each course. All mandatory units are internally assessed within the Music department, subject to SQA verification and quality assurance. There is an external performance to a Visiting Assessor at National 5 and Higher level with Advanced Higher-level candidates choosing either the external performance or an SQA marked composition folio. In addition, all candidates will sit an external question paper.

“Well I honestly just really enjoy the environment that comes with it, the fact that almost everyone talks, and we all get along quite well. Sounds so cheesy but it’s true!”

– Catriona Bird, National 5 Music Student

“I took music because it’s fun and the teachers are all wonderful.”

– Anonymous Higher Music Student

Showcases and Performances

At Mearns we have many opportunities for young people to grow confident whilst playing their instruments. For example we have an annual Young Musician competition at school, where our very talented pupils perform to a wide audience