“Creativity takes courage”
Henri Matisse
/ THE AIMS OF ART & DESIGN IN ST. MALACHY'S
The Art and Design department aims to develop understanding of how ideas and intentions can be communicated visually. The knowledge, experiences and specialisms of all the members of the Art and Design department are also vital for the students’ experience and enjoyment of this subject.
/ TEACHING ART & DESIGN AT EACH KEY STAGE
KEY STAGE 3
YEAR 8
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Harry Clarke stained Glass project
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Line/Tonal drawing
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Colour Theory and painting techniques Henri
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Painting Project
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Summer Exam Project
YEAR 9
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Form drawing
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Michael Craig Martin Pop Art Project
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“Bin Being” Found Object competition
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Portraiture Summer Project
YEAR 10
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Thematic Sketchbook Project
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Visual Elements for GCSE Portfolio work- including traditional and digital media
GCSE ART AND DESIGN
Component 1- 60%
Part A:
Exploratory Portfolio
Portfolio of experimental work (25%)
Part B:
Investigating the Creative and Cultural Industries
Thematic work toward a Personal Outcome or Design Solution (35%)
Component 2-40%
Externally Set Assignment
Thematic work and a Final Outcome during a timed 10- hour exam
From GCSE onwards students are supported in their work by visiting galleries, and when possible artist workshops. After school study is available each week and work at home is encouraged by providing art packs and structured monthly homework at GCSE stage. At A level students are expected to have a greater degree of independence during study time and are always welcome to study in the department during free periods.
AS AND A2 ART AND DESIGN
The GCE Art and Design CCEA specification is available at two levels: AS and A2 Students can take the AS course as a final qualification. Students who wish to obtain a full A level qualification must also complete the A2 course. The AS units make up 40% of the full A level qualification, and the A2 units make up 60%.
Students may follow a broad pathway through Art, Craft and Design – Combined Studies, or choose from one of three specialisms:
• Photography and Lens-Based Media;
• Three-Dimensional Design; or
• Textiles.
The course has four units: two at AS level and two at A2:
AS 1: Experimental Portfolio
AS 2: Personal Response
A2 1: Personal and Critical Investigation (including a written investigation)
A2 2: Thematic Outcome
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At Key Stage 3 students investigate and refine their practical skills in a variety of media and processes alongside an appreciation of the work of visual practitioners such as artists and graphic designers. Thinking skills and personal capabilities are embedded into the work, for example, problem solving and creative thinking.
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During the two year GCSE course students are encouraged to become critical thinkers, whilst improving their confidence in using a range of media and technologies. Building on from their work at Key Stage 3 they explore new media and processes like drawing with Photoshop, printmaking and photography as the students learn how to create an experimental portfolio of work. Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary contexts and cultures is threaded through their learning as they work towards a thematic outcome.
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Drawing is fundamental to the creative process and this is a focus that is carried through to AS and A2 level. This course allows students a sound basis for progression to higher level education or areas of study/work relating to the creative industries. We hope to develop a lifelong enthusiasm for the subject and to develop their imaginative, creative and intellectual capabilities. More independence and confidence is apparent as the students work through the two years at A level. Direct observation and experimental drawing is developed as is their aesthetic understanding and knowledge of real world contexts. At A2 level students will begin to work in their chosen specialism. The students undertake an externally marked essay to demonstrate critical and contextual understanding and use of specialist language and vocabulary.
MS E. HUEY (Head of Department)
MS A. MAGUIRE (Art and Design)
MS S. O’REILLY (Art and Design & Moving Image Arts)
MR S. FEGAN (Technician)