Creative Arts

For full syllabus information please click here

Art
The principal aim of the Art Department is to instil confidence in pupils' own abilities and help them realise that art is for everyone.

The art of looking, of selecting, of making and of creating with materials will enhance pupils' lives, not just when they are at school, but on into adult life. We stimulate their imagination, encourage individual expression and hopefully, add an extra dimension to their lives.

In S6, pupils may also undertake a freestanding unit in Fabric Design where pupils look at fabric techniques including manipulation, printing, dyeing and appliqué. This unit is equivalent to an Intermediate 1 design unit. Pupils who have obtained their Higher Art may also elect to do a Portfolio in S6, should they want to apply for further of higher education without doing Advanced Higher.

The art department offers various activities and trips to enrich the curriculum including Gallery of Modern Art Masterclasses, Annual Drawing Competition at Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow School of Art Fashion Show, Cardonald College Fashion Show and life drawing classes at the Gallery of Modern Art.

English
The English Department aims to develop each pupil's abilities in reading, writing, speaking and listening so that every pupil will be able to cope with the demands of the SQA examinations and will be able to communicate confidently in her future professional life. The curriculum provides stimulating and enjoyable materials which motivates pupils into giving their best; whilst exposing pupils to language which extends them intellectually, imaginatively, morally and emotionally.

At all stages, pupils are placed in classes according to individual strengths and requirements. Special arrangements can be made for those requiring extra support, both in class work and for assessments. All pupils have regular computer access, including laptops, to facilitate learning and to encourage production of attractively presented written work. Individual presentations feature regularly and group discussion, leading to collaborative learning, is an integral part of the course. Pupils are encouraged to evaluate their own performance and identify individual targets for improvement. Individual reading is an essential ingredient for success in English and is encouraged throughout the Senior School.

Craigholme has a long record of public speaking successes. The school hosts an annual competition for pupils in S1-S6, with external adjudicators. In addition, pupils participate in various external competitions including those organised by Rotary and Glasgow Speakers' Clubs.

STAFF: Ms Tina Stevens (Head of Department), Mrs K Hecht, Mrs E McDermott, Mrs C Schwarting (Teachers).

Drama
The Drama Department aims to develop a love of drama in all students through reading and devising plays and theatre visits. Pupils are encouraged to participate in drama activities through out their school career, whether in class or as an extra-curricular activity. Inclusion and equality are promoted through improvisation, role-play, reflection and discussion.

The school has active drama groups at both Junior and Senior level, providing the opportunity for the pupils to be involved behind the scenes, treading the stage or on the technical side. Group activities normally culminate in evening productions for family and friends.

The school also takes part in nationwide drama celebrations, such as the Shakespeare's Schools Festival and National Connections - one of the world's largest celebrations of youth theatre. The National Connections programme commissions new plays for and about young people from some of the best contemporary playwrights, and enables schools and youth theatres from all over the UK to produce them. Involvement in this initiative has seen Craigholme's talented senior drama group perform twice at the National Theatre in Edinburgh.

STAFF: Mrs I Williamson (Head of Department)

Modern Languages
The Department of Modern Languages aims to foster in all pupils an interest in other countries and an awareness of the importance of learning languages. This is achieved by making the learning of languages enjoyable and encouraging confidence in language skills at all levels.

In S1 pupils study French as a main language, with the addition of a taster course in Spanish.  Both languages are continued into S2, where German is introduced. The girls become aware of the similarities as well as the differences between the 3 languages, and enjoy the diversity of the experience. After Standard Grade, S5/S6 Higher pupils have the option of studying Higher French, German and Spanish. At Advanced Higher pupils develop the skills and language they have learnt at Higher level.

In S6 the pupils can choose to study Intermediate 2 Italian or can take a short course in Spanish, German or Mandarin.

In recent years senior pupils have been selected by Rotary International to represent Glasgow in the prestigious Euroscola Debate conducted in French in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This event involves around 350 young people from EU countries.

STAFF: Mrs E Cook (Head of Department), Miss K Greffin, Miss S Harrison, Miss M A Kennedy, Mrs I MacInnes, Mrs Z Young (Teachers).

Music
Our aim is to actively involve pupils in music making. We strive to cater for every pupil in the school so that their full potential can be realised, whatever their ability.

The three key areas of the curriculum, at all levels, are Performing, Inventing and Listening. These areas are equally weighed in that they develop the pupil's instrumental, creative and aural skills.

In S1 and S2, pupils are taught how to play keyboard, guitar and drums. Throughout the Listening course they learn about instruments of the orchestra, music in the media, operas and musicals and the music of Scotland, while continuing to develop their own compositions. Pupils will also gain experience in technology by arranging and mixing their own music.

Rehearsals take place weekly for the Senior, Junior and Training Choirs as well as the Senior and Junior Orchestras, The Clarinet Quartet, two Flute Groups and a String Ensemble.

Tuition is available for a number of musical instruments to both Junior and Senior pupils. For more information please click the following links:

Instrumental Tuition Scheme              Music Tuition Application Form             Music Tuition Notice

Scholarships are on offer for cornet, French horn, tenor horn, trombone and bass guitar. Applications are invited in May for the following academic year.

STAFF: Mr M Donnelly (Head of Department), Mrs M Craig & Mrs A MacFadden (Teachers)