Art
Art is a valued subject which develops pupils' confidence and ability to explore ideas with unique and imaginative visual outcomes. Pupils have the opportunity to work in a broad range of media and practices including; drawing and painting, clay work, printmaking, textile design, printing and multimedia.
The subject has an excellent success record with pupils achieving top marks at both GCSE and A’ Level examinations and our work has been selected and displayed at both the ‘True Colours’ and ‘Celebrating Young Artists’ Exhibitions. Art is celebrated throughout the school and we hold an annual art exhibition to showcase our pupil’s hard work and dedication. Many of our students go on to study Art, Design and Architecture. Past students are now working very successfully in creative industries in Northern Ireland.
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Our Art Department Aims:
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Encourage pupils to explore and express their individuality through diverse artistic media, nurturing self-confidence and emotional well-being.
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Promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures and traditions through art projects that reflect the richness of global and local communities.
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Enable pupils to use art as a powerful tool to communicate their thoughts, beliefs and experiences, fostering empathy and respect for others.
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Ensure all pupils, regardless of ability or background, have access to highquality art education that inspires lifelong learning and personal growth.
Head of Department
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Mrs L Ward
Department Members
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Mrs R Finn
Miss A Magee
Resources
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We have one fully equipped art room Kiln Clay: Porcelain/College Buff Sewing machines Screen Printing Equipment
Key Stage 3
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Year 8
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• Identify and Self
• African Art
• Still Life
• Surreal Collage and Humorous
• Animation
• Pattern and Print
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Year 9
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• Exploring Landscape
• Totem Poles
• Perspective Drawing
• Pop Art
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Year 10
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• Graffiti and Identity
• Symbolism
• Nature Impressed
• Portraiture
• Animated Narratives, Telling Stories
Key Stage 3 Extra Curricular Activities/Trips/Industry Links
The Creative Industries are introduced to all key stage 3 pupils via exploration of varied topics and associated creative career pathways. All pupils are welcome to attend a variety of afterschool Art Clubs throughout the year.
Key Stage 4
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Why Study the Subject
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GCSE Art and Design provides a great opportunity for pupils to communicate their ideas and feelings visually and exploit their natural curiosity about the world around them. Students study Art and Design because they have:​​
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A creative mind.
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Enjoy exploring and experimenting with new materials.
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Want a career in an Art related area.
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Can work independently and with others.
Pupils who have completed the course previously have claimed it has been an enjoyable and fulfilling experience which has boosted their self-confidence enabling them to fully realise their true potential.
Assessment Structure
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Year 11
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Unit 1: Part A | Drawing and Mixed Media - Exploratory Portfolio - 25%
Unit 2: Part B | Investigating the Creative and Cultural Industries - Portfolio Assessment - 35%
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Unit 1: Part A - Drawing and Mixed Media
This unit gives pupils the opportunity to work on and improve their drawing and experimental media skills. Pupils will be Introduced to the work of artists and craftspeople, identifying how they can Influence their work and they will explore all the ‘Visual Elements’ through a series of creative workshops, introducing Ceramics, Textiles, Print-Making, Painting and Sculptural form.
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Unit 2: Part B - Investigating the Creative and Cultural Industries
Pupils will complete either:
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1. An investigation into an artist, designer or art movement leading to a final personal response in either 2 or 3 dimensions
2. A response to a design brief or visual Arts commission
3. Participation in a collaborative Arts Project with a clearly defined role leading to a final outcome that is presented for individual assessment.
Students will build upon the knowledge, skills and confidence gained during Part A of the course. They will engage with and demonstrate an understanding of the varied roles within the creative and cultural industries.
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Year 12
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Unit 2: Part B | Continued, exploration of experimental media and production of a final outcome - Portfolio Assessment - 35%
Unit 4 | The Externally Set Assignment - Portfolio Assessment - 40%
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Unit 2: Part B - Continued, exploration of experimental media and production of a final outcome
Students will explore and experiment with relevant media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies in response to their task. They will develop and refine their skills as their project progresses. They will produce a personal final outcome which will showcase their creativity, contextual understanding and independent thinking.
Unit 4 - The Externally Set Assignment
Pupils will receive their exam paper in term 2 of year 12 and will respond to the given theme through the areas covered through the course content. They will create a final outcome in either 2 or 3 dimensions.
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Employability/job opportunities/further study
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Animator
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Advertising
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Architect
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Therapist
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Designer
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Fine Artist
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Illustrator
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Photographer
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Teacher
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Crafts Worker
Key Stage 4 Extra Curricular Activities/Trips/Industry links
GCSE Art & Design pupils are provided with wonderful opportunities to engage in the Creative Industries and experience bot Art Gallery visits and in-house Creative Arts Workshops in both Print and Ceramics.
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Post 16
Why study the subject?
Studying Art and Design at ‘A’ Level allows students to build upon and develop their knowledge and skills in all areas of Art, Craft and Design. Students will develop strengths in particular areas and use this for their personal investigations and research. At all times students will be developing and building upon their existing knowledge of the creative, intellectual and artistic processes within Art and Design. Studying GCE Art and Design will allow students to:
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Continue to build upon their personal knowledge; understanding and skills gained at GCSE level and develop these through investigating, realising, experimenting and problem solving which will all contribute to their employability.
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Produce work in 2D, 3D, fine art and design in a range of mediums; from painting to textiles, lens based media to sculpture, providing numerous opportunities to develop their creative, intellectual and artistic abilities.
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Assessment Structure
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Year 13
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Unit AS 1 | Experimental Portfolio - 50% of AS Level
Unit AS 2 | Personal Response - 50% of AS Level
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Unit AS 1: Experimental Portfolio
Students will work individually and creatively to develop ideas in response to a given activity, theme or stimulus. They will experiment with a wide range of media, materials and processes to develop your existing skills and acquire new ones. Assessment Objectives 1,2 and 3 are marked in this unit.
Unit AS 2: Personal Response
Students will present a personal outcome in response to their experimental portfolio. Students will bring this to completion during a 10 hour controlled test.
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Year 14
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Unit A2 1 | Personal & Critical Investigation - 60% of A2 Level
Unit A2 2 | Thematic Outcome - 40% of A2 Level
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Unit A2 1: Personal & Critical Investigation
Pupils will have the opportunity to demonstrate and communicate artistic interests and personal skills in art, craft and design in the form of written and visual investigations. The written element will have a minimum of 1000 and maximum of 3000 words.
Unit A2 2: Thematic Outcome
Students will investigate and develop ideas in response to their personal investigation theme. Students will bring this to completion during a 15 hour controlled test.
Employability/job opportunities/further study
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Architect
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Fashion / Textile Designers
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Graphic / Web Designer
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Illustrator
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Interior Design
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Photographer
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Teacher
Post 16 Extra Curricular Activities/Trips/Industry links
The Art Department offers a wide variety of contextual and Creative Industries exploration as part of the experimental portfolio element of the Course. All A ‘Level pupils are actively encouraged to pursue Art Gallery visits and to attend a variety of Creative Arts work-shops which will provide ample opportunities for advanced creative practice. We attend the F.E. McWilliams Gallery, Banbridge and The Ulster Museum in Belfast.
The department has welcomed Craft Specialists to deliver varied workshops to all examination candidates. Anna McGurn, a ceramicist, Robert Peters, an Intaglio Print-Maker and Marie Louise Gormley, a textile artist attend annually to inspire and empower our pupils to explore new and innovative creative media.
Both AS and A2 Level pupils should partake in additional Art studio time daily to ensure progression of their creative development, exploration of the examination theme and progression of innovative ideas.
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