Photo Gallery

Rationale for Subject

We endeavour to help students develop and then excel at their own level of creative capacity and personal form of expression. It is our hope that students have a value of the unique nature of their own work and that of their fellow students. 

Subject Aims

• To help students become more visually aware of their environment, through an exploration of a wide range of media in 2D and 3D areas of practice. 
• To encourage the students to explore their own creative process and learn the language of Visual Art while fostering and encouraging their individual response and creative style. 
• To prepare the students for all curricular projects and exams.  
• To encourage students to value their own developing opinions and artistic tastes and to allow them space to express their thoughts and opinions. 
• To ignite in our students an interest in contemporary and historic art, craft and design locally and internationally. 

Subject Topics / Syllabus Content

The course is centred around practical work and Visual Studies. Practical work consists of painting (imaginative and observed), graphic design, craftwork, still life and life drawing. Students build on the skills they have developed in the Junior Cycle course. Visual Studies involves study of International and Irish artefacts and general appreciation of Art and Design in today’s world. Students will draw on their learning and investigations in Visual Studies to inform the practical work.

Many students have been very successful over the years and have developed careers from the skills and abilities they have developed in Art class. For more information about careers in art, craft and design see www.careersportal.ie.

To be successful in this subject area requires:  

• The interest and motivation to work independently on your own ideas.  
• The ability and enthusiasm to collaborate with others on group projects.  
• A good level of artistic ability. 
• A willingness to experiment with new and different ways of working and thinking.  

For more information see www.curriculumonline.ie. 

Assessment

The modes of assessment include:    

1. A Leaving Certificate project which will comprise of a choice of one of the following: an imaginative composition, a still life drawing or painting or a craftwork piece and will be executed as coursework in timetabled Visual Art classes.   
2. A written examination in Visual Studies will take place in June.  
3. Many opportunities can arise from studying Visual Art for Leaving Certificate. You may wish to study Art for its own sake, or you may explore the potential of creating an art portfolio and study Art & Design or a related subject at third level.