Art and Design

Introduction

Head of Department:

Mr Keag

Teaching Staff:

Mrs McGuiggan

Technical Staff:

Mr Nelson

Mr Ireland

Mission Statement: The Art Department’s mission is to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth study in the visual arts. The Revised art curriculum recognizes the value and merits of both Western and non-Western art traditions and their impact on the evolution of human experience. Students are to consider their work in the context of an increasingly global society. Students develop an understanding of aesthetics, critical and conceptual thinking, visual literacy and technical expertise in a creative and stimulating learning environment. The art curriculum prepares students to become disciplined and professional artists, art educators, creative problem solvers and critical thinkers equipped for the 21st century.

Welcome to the Art and Design Department

In our Art and Design department, we believe that every student has the potential to be a visionary. Following the Northern Ireland Curriculum, our primary aim is to empower your child by fostering their creativity, personal expression, and critical thinking.

We move beyond simple "making" to help students explore their own identity and understand the world around them. Through a journey of self-discovery, we use art as a vital tool for personal development and emotional well-being.

Our Core Pillars

Our curriculum is built on four essential goals designed to prepare students for both life and future careers:

Creative Problem Solving: Students move through a cycle of investigating, realising, and evaluating. We encourage them to take "artistic risks" and find innovative solutions to visual challenges.
Skill Mastery: We provide hands-on experience across a diverse range of media, from traditional 2D and 3D crafts (painting, ceramics, and textiles) to modern Digital Media (photography and animation).
Cultural Awareness: By developing a "visual language," students learn to appreciate and critique the work of artists and designers from various cultures and eras.
Career Readiness: We view design as a practical problem-solving process. Our focus ensures students become adaptable individuals ready to contribute to Northern Ireland’s thriving creative and cultural industries.

The Learning Journey

As students progress through the school, our focus shifts to match their development:

Key Stage 3 (Years 8–10): A period of Exploration. Students build a strong foundation in the "Visual Elements"—line, tone, colour, and shape—while experimenting with new materials.

The Learning Journey & CCEA Qualifications

We are proud to offer a continuous pathway of CCEA qualifications, ensuring our students receive a locally recognised and high-quality creative education.

Key Stage 4 (Years 11–12): GCSE Art and Design Students work toward their CCEA GCSE, specialising in areas that interest them most. The course is split into two components:

Component 1 (60%): An Exploratory Portfolio and a study of the Creative and Cultural Industries.
Component 2 (40%): An Externally Set Assignment where students respond to a specific theme provided by the exam board.

Key Stage 5 (Years 13–14): A-Level Art and Design At GCE A-Level, students transition to a standard of professional practice. This stage is about refining technical skills and developing a personal "Visual Language."

AS Level: Focuses on an Experimental Portfolio and Personal Response.
A2 Level: Involves a Personal and Critical Investigation (including a written element) and a final Thematic Outcome. This level prepares students for university or direct entry into specialist sectors like architecture, fashion, or digital animation.

Our goal is to nurture not just artists, but confident thinkers and innovators who can see the world through a creative lens.

The Importance of Independent Learning & Homework

Homework is an essential extension of our classroom practice, designed to bridge the gap between technical instruction and personal creativity. Whether your child is just starting their journey in Year 8 or preparing for their final A-Level exhibition, independent study is where their unique artistic voice is truly developed.

Key Stage 3: Building a Creative Habit

At Key Stage 3, we set homework on average every three weeks throughout the academic year. These tasks are carefully aligned with the specific themes and skills being taught in class. By completing these assignments at home, students:

Reinforce Techniques: Practice skills like tonal shading or colour mixing in a relaxed environment.
Conduct Research: Collect visual references and inspiration that make their school projects more personal and meaningful.
Develop Discipline: Learn that art is a process that requires consistent effort and reflection beyond the classroom walls.

Exam Level (GCSE & A-Level): Managing Professional Standards

As students’ progress to CCEA GCSE and A-Level, the nature of homework evolves into Independent Project Management. Due to the rigorous demands of the exam syllabus, pupils are expected to organise their time effectively at home to maintain the high standards required for their portfolios.

At this level, independent study is crucial for:

Portfolio Volume: Ensuring there is a substantial body of evidence for the "Exploratory" and "Experimental" components.
Deep Investigation: Allowing time for the sustained observation and critical writing that cannot be rushed during school hours.
Time Management: Developing the professional work ethic needed for higher education and the creative industries, where meeting deadlines and self-motivation are key to success.

Future Pathways: From the Classroom to the Creative Economy

Art and Design is not just a subject for those who want to be "artists." It is a vital gateway to Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing economic sector. The skills developed through the CCEA syllabus—such as visual literacy, project management, and creative problem-solving—are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries.

Higher & Further Education Options

Upon completing their journey at our school, many students progress to specialist courses at local institutions:

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: Often a popular one-year "bridge" course at colleges like Belfast Met or NWRC, allowing students to experiment before choosing a university degree.
University Degrees: Students frequently move into degree programs at the Belfast School of Art (Ulster University) or Queen’s University Belfast, specialising in areas such as:

Fine Art, Photography, and Illustration.
Architecture and Interior Design.
Graphic Design, UX (User Experience) Design, and Animation.
Fashion and Textile Art.
Games Design and Digital Media.

Higher Level Apprenticeships: A modern route that allows students to work in the creative industry (such as Digital Marketing or Craft Design) while earning a recognised higher education qualification.

Career Opportunities

Northern Ireland has a world-class reputation in the creative industries, from film production (Game of Thrones, Blue Lights) to global tech firms. Studying Art and Design can lead to a career as a:

Creative Specialist	Commercial & Tech	Education & Community
Concept Artist / Animator	Graphic / UI / UX Designer	Art Teacher / Lecturer
Architect / Landscape Architect	Fashion / Product Designer	Art Therapist
Fine Artist / Sculptor	Set & Prop Designer (Film/TV)	Gallery / Museum Curator
Photographer / Filmmaker	Advertising Art Director	Community Arts Coordinator

Did you know? The creative industries in Northern Ireland now employ over 39,000 people, contributing significantly to the local economy. Our curriculum is specifically designed to give your child the "creative edge" needed for these future-facing roles.

Beyond the Classroom: Extra-Curricular Opportunities

We believe that artistic growth shouldn’t be confined to the school timetable. Our department offers a vibrant extra-curricular program designed to inspire younger students and provide essential support for our senior exam candidates.

After-School Art Clubs

Junior Art Club (Mondays): A dedicated space for our Key Stage 3 students to dive into "extra" projects that go beyond the standard curriculum. It’s a fantastic opportunity for younger pupils to experiment with specialised materials and socialise with other creative minds.
Senior Art Club (Wednesdays): This session is specifically designed for our GCSE and A-Level students. It provides a calm, focused environment for pupils to receive one-on-one support, experiment with complex media, and dedicate extra time to extending or catching up on their CCEA coursework portfolios.

Enriching the Creative Mind: Trips and Artist Visits

We pride ourselves on our strong links with the local arts community, ensuring our students see the "real world" application of their studies.

Local Artist Workshops: We are delighted to host regular visits from local professionals, such as renowned artist Robert Peters. These workshops allow students to learn professional techniques and gain insights into the life of a working artist in Northern Ireland.
The RUA Exhibition: Every year, we take our students to the Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) Annual Exhibition at the Ulster Museum. This is a highlight of the department calendar, allowing students to engage with contemporary masterpieces and draw inspiration for their own personal responses.