Art and Design
Staff List and HOD Names
Ms M Donaghy (HOD),
Ms F C Maguire
Mrs LJ Kelly (Art technician)
Mr Conor Graham (Art technician
Aims of Department
The Art department aims to make Art exciting, interesting, relevant and enjoyable for all pupils. We work hard to develop and encourage pupils’ familiarity of Art and Design concepts, principles, methods and vocabulary. Art is a fully inclusive subject that allows all pupils, regardless of their ability, to achieve their full creative potential.
Art and Design activities enable pupils to:
-
observe and interpret their visual environment;
-
visually express their ideas, thoughts, feelings and personal responses;
-
explore and develop imagination and ideas;
-
solve problems and create solutions, designs and products;
Outline of Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5
Key stage 3
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of Art and Design and the key visual elements of line, tone, colour, shape and texture. In researching these elements students learn about key practitioners and artists such as Van Gogh and Andy Warhol. Their drawing and painting skills are developed through the study of a range of different themes, ranging from personal awareness to wider cultural and environmental topics. Students are given the opportunity to experience a range of different media such as textiles, print-making and ceramics.
Key stage 4
There is a high demand for Art and Design at Key Stage 4 and the department achieves excellent results.
Pupils follow either CCEA GCSE Revised Art and Design 2017 or OCN NI Level 2 certificate in Art and Design
GCSE Art and Design is comprised of 2 units. Each unit gives the student the opportunity to explore a range of artistic processes such as textiles, ceramics, print-making, 3-d sculpture, photography and ICT.
OCN Art and Design is a vocational qualification that allows pupils to develop skills in Ceramics, Craft and textiles.
Key stage 5
Pupils follow CCEA A level in Art and Design. A level is designed to broaden and deepen knowledge, skills and contextual understanding of a range of art, craft and design disciplines such as textiles, ceramics, print-making, ICT and mixed media.
Career Opportunities
The creative and cultural industries are a fast growing area of the economy and are key to economic success. Northern Ireland and the UK have an established reputation in these industries.
Possible careers include advertising, architecture, art, curation, craft, jewellery, fashion design, car design, film, costume design, special effects, make-up, photography, graphic design, set design, furniture design, interior design, music, animation, performing arts, publishing, software design, toys and games design, TV, radio and video games design. A wide range of STEM careers such as engineering now also require creative, artistic and design skills.
Additional Information
Our Art and Design Department celebrates creativity beyond the classroom through a range of enriching experiences. Each month, we feature our Artists of the Month to celebrate talent across all the year groups. Students participate in visits to galleries and exhibitions, broadening their understanding of contemporary and historical art. At the end of the academic year, we proudly host GCSE and A-Level exhibitions, showcasing the exceptional work of our students and highlighting their artistic journey and achievements.
Career Information and Guidance
Local University Courses
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/faculties/arts-humanities-and-social-sciences/art
What can I do with my degree?
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/creative-arts-and-design
Local Further Education Courses
https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/courses/?subjectareas=art-design
https://www.serc.ac.uk/search/courses?q=art
Career Finder
https://www.ucas.com/careers/careers-quiz
https://discovercreative.careers/#/?search=&context=careers&tags=12804
Labour Market Information
https://icould.com/stories/using-lmi-careers-decisions/
Careers Information
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers
Job Finder
https://www.nijobfinder.co.uk/
Apprenticeships
CAO
