Visual ArtsQ&A by dot point

Contextual analysis (Section 2, 30 marks, maximum 2,000 words): a written analysis of a selected art or design work that discusses its related contexts and analyses their impact on the features of the work, going beyond description to genuine analysis.

Course structure and assessment: the two separate awards (Expressive and Design), the single 100-mark portfolio (100% of the course), its three sections (practical work, contextual analysis, evaluation), submission as 6 to 12 A1 sheets, grading A to D and SCQF level 7.

The skills assessed (independent creative thinking, sustained practical investigation and development, critical analysis of art and design, and evaluation of one's own work) and how Advanced Higher steps up from Higher to SCQF level 7.

The design practical portfolio: a self-directed response to a design brief, worked from a problem and research through investigation, idea generation and development to a resolved design solution, worth 64 marks within the Design portfolio.

Evaluation (Section 3, 6 marks): a written reflection that critically evaluates your own creative decisions and the success of your work, judging what worked and what did not against your intentions rather than narrating the process.

The expressive practical portfolio: a self-directed body of expressive artwork developed from research and stimulus through investigation, experimentation and development to one or more resolved outcomes, worth 64 marks within the Expressive portfolio.