Curriculum

Key Stage 3

1^st year – Portraits and colour and self-identity theme.

2^nd year – stain glass design theme, undersea theme/mixed media theme, group project on package design where they design and make a package container finishing with each group giving a power point presentation on their final product.

3^rd year – textile design, figure sculpture and still life themes.

GCSE

One coursework theme that comprises of some fine art and design work as well as some 3d work, producing one final piece in any of the areas. The course finishes with an Externally Set Assignment (ESA) where students pick a question from a set paper and they have 12 weeks to complete all coursework and final piece. The final piece is completed in 10 hours and is moderated. The coursework is work 60% with the ESA having a 40% weighting.

A Level

Again, one coursework theme in either fine art or design but must incorporate both styles with one final piece being produced in either fine art or design. The exam theme comes at the end of AS and again at A2 with a 12 week exam period based on ESA with the topic chosen by pupil. Again, the student must work on all the coursework leading up to the final piece which will be created in either fine art or design.

Information

The study of Art and Design provides students with opportunities to enrich their sensory experiences and develop aesthetic sensitivity and awareness by making personal, visual and tactile responses to feelings, ideas and environments.

Students develop intellectual and practical abilities, appreciate the relationship between their work and that of artists, designers and craft workers in their own and other cultures and become aware of the history and social aspects of the European Community. In their use and exploration of materials, processes and technologies in both two- and three-dimensions students learn to be selective and

discriminating.

At present we enter all KS4 students who have selected our subject for G.C.S.E. Art and Design except 11c groups who do Entry Level in 4^th year. Year 13 and14 students are entered for GCE AS and A2 level.

We offer a versatile programme, covering a wide range of experiences and activities to all pupils from KS3 to A Level.

Pottery and Ceramic Design

From KS3 pupils are involved in exploration and experimentation in the development of skills and techniques in the use of clay and glazes, progressing to realistic, functional and creative ceramic design at GCSE and A Level.

3 Dimensional Design

Investigation and research into media (wire / wood / plaster / fabrics / clay) with emphasis on skills and techniques in the designing of artefacts in 3 dimensions such as pots, figure sculptures, clocks, chairs etc. takes place from KS3 onwards.

Textile Design

Students explore and experiment with media and processes used in dyed and printed fabrics, batik, and hand and machine embroidery at GCSE and A Level. From KS3 onwards pupils are involved in the development of skills and techniques in designing and creating for fashion and fabrics such as wall hangings, cushions, dresses, hats etc.

Graphic Design / ICT

All pupils are involved in the development of skills and techniques in the use of graphic tools and equipment including Photoshop. Year 8 students use “Photoshop” to distort a face as part of their Portraits and Colour theme, Year 9 use “I Stop Motion animation” in an undersea theme and Year 10 produce a short film on the life of a chosen artist. Progression to well planned layout ideas and final presentations for packaging, poster design, book cover, CD design, and illustration etc. are part of Yr. 8 to Yr.14 units of work. All students are encouraged to use the Internet for theme research.

Printmaking

From KS3 skills and techniques in printmaking as a means of developing pattern and design ideas or for Fine Art is developed using lino, polystyrene and screen printing.

Fine Art and Sculpture

All students explore and experiment with media and processes including drawing, painting, collage work,

mixed media, sculpture, modelling and printing. Further development of these skills and techniques using materials and equipment including ICT, Photoshop and photography takes place at GCSE and A level.

Discussion and emphasis on research into the historical aspects of the various areas of practice, critical self appraisal of work at various stages, and the use of visual language and key words inherent in all tasks is an important aspect of our course.

Department Staff

Mr. Tony Mc Parland H.O.D. – Fine Art

Mrs. Siobhan O’Hare -Textiles/Fashion

Mrs.Oonagh McArdle – Fine and Applied Art

Mr. Brendan McArdle – Design

Mrs. Muiread McMahon – Technician.