Expressive Arts

Subjects taught in Expressive Arts:

  • BGE Art and Design
  • National 3 – 5 Art and Design
  • Higher Art and Design
  • Advanced Higher Art and Design
  • NPA Level 5 Art and Design
  • NPA Level 4 and 5 Photography
  • Higher Photography
  • Animation Skills (Wider Achievement Opportunity)
  • BGE Music
  • Music (National 3/4/5, Higher, Advanced Higher)
  • Music Technology (National 3/4/5, Higher)
  • BGE Drama
  • National 3-5 Drama
  • Higher Drama
  • NPA Level 6 Acting and Performance
  • Advanced Higher Drama
  • National 4 and 5 Hairdressing
  • NPA Level 5 Long Hair Design and Make-up
  • Health and Wellbeing short courses

Why Study Expressive Arts:

Art and Design: Art and Design feature in many aspects of our everyday lives, from the advertising posters we see on our streets to the special effects we see in films. Almost everything we see or touch has been designed to be visually attractive including mobile phones, clothes, cars, buildings and websites.

Learning through and about the arts enriches the experience of studying at school as well as preparing learners for life after school.

  • Art and Design courses encourage self-expression and creativity and can build confidence as well as a sense of individual identity.
  • Creativity can help with wellbeing and improving health and happiness.
  • Studying Art and Design helps to develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the world around us.

Photography

Photography is an important form of visual communication. Images are used in a range of sectors and industries, from advertising and printing to broadcasting and filmmaking. We also use images to help us to understand the world around us and to express our ideas, thoughts and feelings in an artistic way.

Music

In music, pupils develop the skills to play a variety of instruments as well as the ability to identify a variety of concepts when listening to music. Pupils are given the opportunity to nurture their creative and aesthetic talents whilst developing an appreciation for culture and the arts.

Music provides an environment that fosters both self discipline when practising, as well as teamwork, confidence and interpersonal skills when taking part in extracurricular activities such as music ensembles or school shows.

Music Technology helps pupils to develop their creative skills through engaging and unique contexts. The subject  builds confidence and essential IT skills that are useful in many different career paths in today’s world. Music Technology helps to build understanding and provides an introduction to equipment and contexts used by streamers/gamers and influencers, and gives them an opportunity to take part in these contexts themselves.

Drama

Drama is a subject that equips our pupils with the essential skills needed to succeed in an ever changing world. Drama promotes team oriented skills that develop an individual’s confidence and personal determination. Through the medium of Drama, pupils develop empathy, compassion and an understanding of the world in which they live, especially when playing characters different to themselves. It is also a subject that promotes self-expression through a creative domain. Pupils in this subject learn how to communicate their thoughts, ideas and feelings as well as respect the ideas of others.

Salon

At Salon on Campus, we offer a dynamic learning environment where students can explore their passion for hairdressing and beauty whilst gaining valuable skills for the future. Our salon is not just a place to get a facial or your hair done, it’s a hub of creativity, business enterprise and a chance to develop employability skills.

Studying Hair and/or Beauty opens up a world of opportunities in both the creative world and that of wellbeing. It’s an ever evolving industry with beauty booming and constantly introducing new trends and techniques. There has never been a better time to pursue a career in the hair and beauty industry.

At Salon on Campus, we provide hands-on-training, industry insights and practical experience to prepare students for success in this exciting field.

Whether you’re a budding stylist or simply eager to explore the world of beauty, our salon provides the perfect platform to unleash your creativity, develop your skills and perhaps embark on an exciting career journey.

You can follow us on instagram @salon_on_campus to get a real life look in to the salon

 

Study Club Details:

Art & Design

Supported study is available each week throughout the academic year. Pupils should see their teacher for further details.

Music

After school supported study is tiered to the individual as each pupil has their own chosen pieces to work on.

The music department is also available for practice at break, lunch and after school, which is especially useful for pupils that are unable to practise at home.

Drama

Study club for all Drama pupils takes place once a week after school. The days and times of these study sessions are discussed and organised with pupils. Lunch time study sessions are also on offer for pupils.

 

Excursion Opportunities:

Art and Design

We value and promote learning in a range of contexts therefore we continually seek new and exciting opportunities for our pupils.  We are committed to establishing links and positive partnerships with professionals from across a range of art, design and creative industries including; practising artists, designers, architects, animators and gallery organisations.

Photography

As part of the NPA and Higher Photography course, pupils visit Edinburgh City to carry out a photoshoot on location. This excursion offers pupils the opportunity to extend their photographic skill beyond the classroom and encourages pupils to become more confident when photographing the urban environment.

Music

Perform music in the community

School Shows

Concerts

Musical trips

Drama

There are many excursion opportunities throughout the Broad General and Senior Phase Drama course. Many excursions include theatre visits to watch touring productions and theatre workshops with College and University links. We also try to facilitate many in house opportunities where students from Queen Margaret University have facilitated Drama workshops in our studios. We also have Theatre in Education Companies also visit us at Dalkeith High School who provide our pupils with industry knowledge and advice on career paths into the performing arts.

Salon

We believe in providing our students with real-world exposure to the hair and beauty industry. We have organised excursions to exclusive events such as the FFOR collaboration with London award winning stylist Grace Dalgleish as well as inviting a number of local salons as guest speakers into school. Collaborating with local salons for demonstrations, visits and work experience placements allow our students to receive a well-rounded education that reflects the realities of the industry. We look forward to establishing further links and visiting the Scottish Hair and Beauty Show this year.

 

Skills:

Art and Design

Art and Design courses will develop transferable skills which will support future employment in the Creative Industries:

  • problem solving
  • time management
  • independent learning
  • creative thinking
  • communication of ideas and opinions
  • technical skill using a wide range of materials and techniques
  • determination and commitment
  • good visual communication skills
  • good organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines
  • effective research skills

Photography

The Higher Photography course will develop transferable skills, which will support future employment in the Creative Industries:

  • problem solving
  • time management
  • independent learning
  • creative thinking
  • communication of ideas and opinions.
  • technical skills when using dslr cameras.
  • technical skill when using editing software for creative effect.

Music

  • Performing
  • Composing
  • Listening
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork
  • IT skills

Drama

  • Learning how to respond to texts (full-length publish scripts) creatively and share their ideas with peers.
  • Learning how to work collaboratively with others, and how to establish and develop strong working relationships.
  • Develop an understanding of social, political and cultural influences.
  • Learning about the Drama process and how to create a short Drama performance.
  • Learning how to use a range of production skills to enhance a performance.
  • Learning how to evaluate the rehearsal process. Pupils have to establish their areas of strength and areas for improvement.
  • Learning how to evaluate the final product (performance or design), and how to create achievable targets for themselves.
  • Having an understanding of characterisation techniques and how to create a detailed and interesting character.
  • Having an understanding of how to portray a character, different to themselves, effectively on stage by learning how to utilise their voice and movement.
  • Having an understanding of different relationships and dynamics.
  • Learning about performance and design concepts and how to apply those concepts during a performance or exam.
  • Learning how to create designs for set, costume, make up, hair, props, lighting and sound.
  • Learning how to analyse professional performances, and apply this analysis to exam style questions on audience reaction, mood and atmosphere, character relationships.
  • Learning about different types of staging and setting, and the impact this has on the Drama and audience.

Salon on Campus

Our programmes are designed to give students a wide range of skills that are essential for success in the industry. From tool dexterity, product selection, massage and styling techniques to developing strong customer service. Students are encouraged to self assess after each module to reflect on their skills acquired and employability qualities such as:

  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Timekeeping
  • Appropriate appearance
  • Customer care
  • Communication – listening and talking
  • Teamwork
  • Following instructions
  • Multitasking
  • Timeliness
  • Confidence
  • Self-reflection
  • Telephone and reception skills
  • Problem solving
  • Interpersonal development