Art
What is the subject about?
The aim of The Clonturk Community College Art Department is to develop imagination, creativity, independence and resourcefulness in our students through the teaching and learning of a wide variety of practical and academic skills in the areas of art, craft and design and the history and appreciation of art. Our students have access to a range of Arts and Crafts media and there are unlimited opportunities to discover the potential of this subject. We aim to foster a lifelong appreciation of art and visual culture through practical art making and creativity and also through the study of art history.
Leaving Certificate Art is studied across the areas of Visual Studies (Art History and Appreciation), Still Life, Imaginative Composition, Design and Craftwork. These are all supported by the underlying use of observational studies, which enables students to build up a range of work and develop their skills and knowledge. A study of Art forms of the past and present to inform this work is also important.
Leaving Certificate Art aims to develop in learners the knowledge, skills, understanding and values needed to bring an idea to realisation and to respond to, understand, analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others. Each learner is a unique individual and will be enabled to develop their own skill set in a personal way. The learner will become aware of the world of Visual Studies, how it can inform their own work and life, and thereby become more aware of their own place in a wider society.
How is the subject assessed?
A revised Leaving Certificate Art Course is being implemented for students going into 5th year in September 2021. * There are three assessment components in Leaving Certificate Art: practical coursework, a practical examination, and a written examination. Students may choose to be assessed at Higher or Ordinary Level.
I. Practical Coursework (50%)
The practical coursework component is designed to test the learner’s ability to use the knowledge, concepts and skills developed in their study of Art to produce a realised work, from a stimulus, over an extended time period. The use of primary sources, including observational drawings, life drawing and drawing from the imagination are important.
II. Practical Examination (20%)
Learners will receive the SEC coursework brief at the beginning of Term 2 (Year 2). In the brief, the SEC will outline the time period in which the practical coursework must be completed. During this period, learners will be required to realise one piece of work and plan and develop work for the realisation of a second piece of work during the practical examination.
III. Written Examination (30%)
The written examination will have a range and balance of question types suited to Visual Studies (formally Art History and Appreciation) and the application of practical knowledge. The questions will focus on a broad understanding of Visual Studies and will require learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and an ability to apply, analyse, evaluate and respond as appropriate.
*Please note given the uncertain nature of curriculum changes at the moment, this information could change.
Additional Comments
– Learning through and about the arts enriches the experience of studying while at school as well as preparing students for life after school.
– Arts subjects encourage self-expression and creativity and can build confidence as well as a sense of individual identity
– Creativity can also help with wellbeing and improving health and happiness. Art can also act as an outlet for releasing the pressures of studying as well as those of everyday life.
– Studying art can also help to develop critical thinking and the airily to interpret the world around us.
– When you study art you learn to work both independently and collaboratively, you also gain experience in time management – skillsets valued by employers.
– The leading people in any field are those who can think creatively and innovatively. These are skills that employers value alongside qualifications. Making and participating in the arts aids the development of these skills
– Studying the arts teaches determination and resilience – qualities useful to any career. It teaches us that it is okay to fail, to not get things totally right the first time and to have the courage to start again.
– Having taken Junior Cycle Art, Craft and Design would be advantageous going into Senior Cycle Art though not compulsory.
– Students who have not completed Art, Craft and Design at Junior Cycle Level should speak to the Art teacher and have artwork prepared to how your interest and drawing skills if taking up the subject for the first time.
Career Opportunities
– Advertising
– Animation
– Architecture
– Arts Administration
– Fashion Design
– Fine Art
– Game Design
– Graphic Design
– Printmaking
– Publishing
– Product Design
– Special Effects
– Art History
– Art Therapy
– Illustration
– Multimedia
– Teaching
– Web Design
– Curator