STRANRAER ACADEMY

Creative Arts

Welcome to the vibrant and dynamic Creative Arts Department at Stranraer Academy, where innovation meets tradition, and creativity knows no bounds. Our dedicated team of passionate educators is committed to nurturing the artistic talents of our students, offering a comprehensive curriculum that spans the Broad General Education (BGE), National Qualifications, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels in Art and Design, Music, and Drama.

At Stranraer Academy, we believe in the power of the arts to inspire, challenge, and transform. The foundation of our arts education begins with the Broad General Education, where students explore and develop their creative potential across a spectrum of artistic disciplines.

In Art and Design, students embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth. They master the techniques of drawing and painting, delve into digital design, and explore various artistic mediums, fostering a deep appreciation for artistic expression.

The Music curriculum embraces the diversity of musical genres and instruments. Students develop their musical talents through engaging lessons, ensemble performances, and individual projects, building a solid foundation in both theory and practice.

In Drama, students explore the dramatic arts through scriptwriting, acting, and stage production. They develop essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

As students progress through the BGE and transition into the National Qualifications, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels, our Creative Arts Department continues to provide enriching experiences that cultivate a lifelong passion for the arts. Join us at Stranraer Academy’s Creative Arts Department, where imagination knows no limits, and the journey of artistic discovery is grounded in a strong foundation in the Broad General Education and National Qualifications.

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Art & Design

🎨 SQA BGE Art & Design at Stranraer Academy
At Stranraer Academy, our Broad General Education (BGE) Art & Design course encourages creativity, imagination, and confidence in visual expression. Students explore a wide range of materials, techniques, and artistic styles while developing key skills in drawing, design, and critical thinking. Through studying artists and designers, learners gain insight into how creative ideas are developed and communicated. The course provides a strong foundation for further study in Senior Phase Art & Design and celebrates personal creativity and visual discovery.

🎨 SQA National 4 & 5 Art and Design at Stranraer Academy

The National 4 and 5 Art and Design courses at Stranraer Academy offer students the opportunity to develop their creativity, imagination, and practical skills through personal expression and visual exploration. Learners are encouraged to investigate the visual world, experiment with materials and techniques, and communicate ideas through both expressive and design-based work.

The course is divided into two main areas:

Expressive Activity: Students create artworks inspired by themes such as portraiture, still life, or landscape. They develop drawing and painting skills while exploring how artists use media, composition, and style to express mood and emotion.

Design Activity: Students follow the design process to create functional and imaginative outcomes in areas such as fashion, graphics, or 3D design. They research professional designers and learn how creativity can be applied to real-world contexts.

Learners also complete a Critical Studies component, where they study and analyse the work of artists and designers to develop understanding of visual language and cultural influences.

Assessment at National 4 is internally verified and focuses on practical folios and reflection on progress. At National 5, pupils produce a practical portfolio of expressive and design work, along with a written critical studies paper assessed externally by the SQA.

These courses build independence, problem-solving, and visual communication skills—qualities valued in many creative industries and higher education pathways. Whether students aspire to pursue careers in art, design, or simply wish to explore their creativity, National 4 and 5 Art & Design provide a strong and inspiring foundation.

🎨 SQA NPA in Visual Communication at Stranraer Academy

The National Progression Award (NPA) in Visual Communication at Stranraer Academy is designed for students who want to develop strong creative and technical skills in graphic and visual design. This course introduces learners to the exciting world of digital media, communication design, and visual storytelling — combining creativity with real-world design practice.

Students explore how images, typography, and layout can be used to communicate ideas effectively. They learn industry-relevant software skills and apply them through hands-on design projects, such as poster design, branding, and digital illustration. The course encourages independent thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail while building confidence in presenting creative ideas visually.

Throughout the NPA, learners research professional designers and use this inspiration to inform their own work. They develop portfolios that demonstrate both traditional and digital skills, showcasing their ability to plan, create, and refine design outcomes.

Assessment is based on practical project work rather than final exams, making it ideal for students who thrive through creativity and coursework. The NPA in Visual Communication provides valuable experience for those considering careers or further study in graphic design, advertising, architecture, digital media, or any field that values visual literacy and creativity.

🎨 Higher Art & Design at Stranraer Academy

Higher Art & Design is a challenging and rewarding course that encourages creativity, independence, and confident visual expression. Students build on their skills in drawing, painting, design, and critical thinking to produce personal, thoughtful, and well-developed portfolios of work. The course nurtures both artistic skill and creative problem-solving, helping learners to think like artists and designers.

The course is divided into two main practical areas:

Expressive Activity: Students create artwork based on personal themes such as portraiture, still life, or environment. They develop ideas through research, experimentation, and refinement while studying how artists communicate emotion and style.

Design Activity: Learners follow the design process from initial brief to final outcome, exploring areas such as graphic design, product design, or fashion. They research professional designers and apply creative thinking to real-world design challenges.

A Critical Studies component runs alongside practical work, helping students to analyse and understand the visual language, influences, and contexts of artists and designers.

Assessment includes a written question paper and two practical portfolios (Expressive and Design), all externally assessed by the SQA. The course develops essential skills in observation, analysis, visual communication, and creative decision-making — all highly valued in further study and creative careers.

At Stranraer Academy, students are supported through regular feedback, creative workshops, and dedicated time to refine their portfolios. Higher Art & Design not only strengthens technical and creative ability but also builds confidence, independence, and a professional approach to visual work.

🎨 Advanced Higher Art & Design at Stranraer Academy

Advanced Higher Art & Design offers students the opportunity to work at a highly independent and professional level, developing original, ambitious, and sophisticated visual work. Pupils manage their own personal investigation, exploring expressive and design projects that reflect their interests and creative strengths. The course places strong emphasis on research, experimentation, and the refinement of ideas, enabling students to produce coherent, high-quality portfolios that demonstrate both technical skill and creative vision.

Alongside practical work, students engage in Critical Studies, analysing artists, designers, and contemporary creative practice to inform and justify their own ideas. Assessment is through externally marked portfolios of practical work and a personal study project, which encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and professional presentation.

Advanced Higher prepares learners for further study in art and design at college or university, while fostering independence, creative problem-solving, and confidence in making informed visual decisions.

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“We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.”

– Stevie Wonder

Music

🎵 BGE Music at Stranraer Academy

At Stranraer Academy, our Broad General Education (BGE) Music course introduces students to the fundamentals of music performance, composition, and listening. Pupils explore a variety of instruments, musical styles, and technologies while developing practical skills and creativity. The course encourages teamwork, confidence, and self-expression, as students perform individually and in groups, create original compositions, and analyse music from different genres and cultures. BGE Music provides a strong foundation for Senior Phase study and inspires a lifelong appreciation of music.

🎵 National 4 & 5 Music at Stranraer Academy

National 4 and 5 Music courses at Stranraer Academy give students the opportunity to develop performance, composition, and listening skills in a structured and supportive environment. Pupils explore a range of musical styles and genres, learning to perform individually and collaboratively, create original compositions, and analyse music using key musical concepts.

At National 4, assessment is mainly practical, focusing on performance and composition tasks. At National 5, pupils are assessed through a combination of performance, composition, and a listening and music literacy exam, allowing them to demonstrate both practical and theoretical understanding.

These courses develop creativity, confidence, teamwork, and analytical skills, providing a solid foundation for Higher Music and fostering a deeper appreciation of musical expression.

🎵 Higher Music at Stranraer Academy

Higher Music at Stranraer Academy is a challenging and rewarding course that develops advanced skills in performance, composition, and music analysis. Students refine their technical ability on their chosen instrument(s) or voice, explore complex musical concepts, and create original compositions that reflect their personal style. The course encourages creativity, independence, and critical thinking, enabling learners to interpret and communicate music with confidence.

Assessment includes practical performance, composition work, and a listening and music literacy exam, allowing pupils to demonstrate both practical and theoretical understanding. Higher Music also incorporates the study of musical styles, techniques, and professional practitioners, helping students to contextualise their work and develop a deeper appreciation of music.

This course fosters creativity, collaboration, and analytical skills, providing an excellent foundation for Advanced Higher Music, further study in the performing arts, or careers in music and related creative industries.

🎵 Advanced Higher Music at Stranraer Academy

Advanced Higher Music offers students the opportunity to work at a highly independent and professional level, developing sophisticated performance, composition, and analytical skills. Pupils create ambitious musical works, refine technical expertise on their chosen instrument(s) or voice, and explore complex musical styles and structures. The course emphasises creativity, self-directed learning, and critical evaluation, encouraging students to make informed artistic decisions and develop a personal musical voice.

Assessment includes a performance portfolio, composition work, and a research-based or analytical project, all externally assessed. Advanced Higher Music prepares learners for further study at college or university, careers in music, or any creative field where high-level musical understanding and creative thinking are valued.

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Click the Keys: Click on any white or black key to play its corresponding note.

Use Your Keyboard: You can also press keys on your computer:

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To use the guitar tuner, click “Start Tuning” to detect notes. The indicator will turn grey while waiting for sound. When a note is detected, the background changes to green, showing the frequency and tuned note. To stop tuning, click “Stop Tuning.” The list of tuned notes updates automatically as you tune. Adjust your guitar strings to match the displayed notes for optimal tuning.

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Photography

Photography Video

Stranraer Academy offers amazing opportunities for young people with an interest in photography. Join Ross James in the SFX extravaganza through genres in photography as the still image gets a jolt of movement.

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📸 Higher Photography at Stranraer Academy

At Stranraer Academy, Higher Photography builds on the skills first introduced in S3 Art & Design, where students explore the camera, composition, and basic photographic techniques. In Higher, learners develop these skills further, experimenting with lighting, perspective, creative composition, and post-production to create professional-quality images. The course encourages observation, creativity, and critical thinking, helping students to develop a personal photographic style while understanding the artistic and technical decisions behind their work.

📸 Higher Photography at Stranraer Academy

Higher Photography at Stranraer Academy is a creative and challenging course that develops technical skill, artistic vision, and independent thinking. Building on the foundational skills introduced in S3 Art & Design, students explore professional photographic techniques, including camera settings, composition, lighting, perspective, and post-production. The course encourages students to develop a personal photographic style while understanding how artistic and technical choices impact the final image.

Course Structure & Assessment
Students produce a practical portfolio of photographic work, demonstrating both technical competence and creative development. Alongside this, they complete a written critical study, analysing photographers, photographic genres, and visual strategies, which informs and strengthens their own work. Assessment is externally moderated by the SQA and consists of the practical portfolio and the critical study.

Skills Developed

Advanced camera and lighting techniques
Composition, framing, and perspective
Creative problem-solving and visual storytelling
Research, analysis, and critical evaluation of photographers’ work
Time management, planning, and professional presentation of portfolios

Support & Enrichment
At Stranraer Academy, Higher Photography students receive structured guidance, workshops, and feedback sessions to refine their portfolios. Pupils are encouraged to experiment with different photographic styles, develop their own creative voice, and produce visually compelling work suitable for further study or a career in photography, media, or the creative arts.

📸 Higher Photography Project Examples

These A-grade Star Wars and Indiana Jones scale figure photography projects showcase the high standards expected in Higher Photography at Stranraer Academy. Pupils are required by the SQA to produce a practical portfolio of photographic work and a critical study.

For the portfolio, students:

Research and plan their project theme, including inspiration, location, lighting, and composition.
Experiment with camera settings, lighting, perspective, and post-production techniques.
Produce a series of images that demonstrate technical skill, creativity, and personal expression.
Evaluate and reflect on their work to show how ideas have developed and how photographic techniques have been applied.

The critical study complements the practical work, requiring pupils to:

Analyse the work of professional photographers and visual artists.
Explain how research informs their creative decisions.
Discuss techniques, processes, and the impact of their images.

These downloadable examples provide a clear benchmark for what is expected in a Higher Photography project, inspiring pupils to develop their own imaginative, technically skilled, and cohesive portfolios.

Photography Mastery Quiz

📸 Photography Mastery Quiz

Test your knowledge with 10 randomly selected questions

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Drama

🎭 BGE Drama at Stranraer Academy

At Stranraer Academy, our Broad General Education (BGE) Drama course introduces students to the exciting world of theatre and performance. Pupils explore a variety of drama techniques, including improvisation, role-play, script work, and character development. The course encourages creativity, collaboration, and confidence, helping students to express ideas, tell stories, and engage audiences. Through practical work and reflective learning, learners develop performance skills, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of dramatic conventions and techniques, providing a strong foundation for Senior Phase Drama study.

🎭 National 4 & 5 Drama at Stranraer Academy

National 4 and 5 Drama courses at Stranraer Academy give students the opportunity to develop performance, production, and creative skills in a practical and supportive environment. Pupils explore improvisation, scripted performance, character development, and stagecraft, learning to bring ideas to life on stage.

At National 4, assessment is through practical performance and contribution to group work, focusing on collaboration, creativity, and reflection. At National 5, students build a portfolio of work that includes both individual and group performances, as well as a written or oral component analysing performance and dramatic techniques.

These courses develop confidence, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while providing a strong foundation for further study in Higher Drama or related creative disciplines.

🎭 Higher Drama at Stranraer Academy

Higher Drama at Stranraer Academy is a dynamic and challenging course that develops advanced performance, production, and analytical skills. Students explore expressive techniques, characterisation, and stagecraft while creating and performing both scripted and devised pieces. The course encourages creativity, independence, and confidence, helping learners to communicate ideas effectively to an audience.

Assessment includes practical performance and a written or oral portfolio that demonstrates understanding of dramatic techniques, performance evaluation, and reflection on creative choices. Pupils are also encouraged to research and analyse professional theatre practitioners to inform their own work.

Higher Drama develops key skills in collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It provides an excellent foundation for Advanced Higher Drama, further study in the performing arts, or careers in theatre, media, and creative industries.

Stagecraft Studio

Struggling with writer’s block? 🎭 Let Stagecraft Studio be your digital co-writer! Just feed it wild ideas (‘robot pirates,’ ‘time-traveling chefs’), and watch as this AI-powered wizard conjures full scripts complete with witty dialogues, dramatic monologues, and scene directions.

“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced” – Vincent Van Gogh

Creative Opportunities

🎨 Get Creative at Stranraer Academy

Discover exciting creative opportunities that inspire, challenge, and develop skills in art, photography, and more. From teamwork to personal expression, there’s something for everyone! Check out our Weekly Art and Photography Challenges and explore all the creative activities happening at Stranraer Academy.

DISCOVER

Creative Arts News

Rotary Creative Competitions 2025–2026

Competition

7 November 2025

Photographers of the Week – 11/10/25

11/10/25

11 October 2025

Photographers of the Week – 26/09/25

26/09/25

27 September 2025

Photographers of the Week – 15/09/25

19/09/25

15 September 2025

Photographers of the Week – 05/09/25

05/09/25

5 September 2025

Photographers of the Week – 29/08/25

29/08/25

29 August 2025

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“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced” – Vincent Van Gogh

Creative Opportunities

Creative Arts News

Rotary Creative Competitions 2025–2026

Photographers of the Week – 11/10/25

Photographers of the Week – 26/09/25

Photographers of the Week – 15/09/25

Photographers of the Week – 05/09/25

Photographers of the Week – 29/08/25

Discover More at Stranraer Academy

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