Subjects


Art Department

Aims

Art and Design education aims to develop students’ understanding of how meanings, ideas and intentions can be communicated through visual and tactile language.



Students become critical thinkers with enquiring minds and increase their confidence in taking artistic risks. We focus on drawing, emphasising that it is an essential part of the creative process in all art, craft and design disciplines. Students learn how to use both traditional media as well as modern technologies. Our KS3, GCSE and A Level programmes of study provide excellent preparation for GCSE, A-Level and all Art & Design 3rd level and career pathways.



As well as exploring many artistic skills and processes, students develop their knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures. The broad and flexible content gives students the freedom to pursue a range of creative pathways.



Saint Mary’s College Art & Design Department enjoys outstanding successes in examinations. Pupil’s work is regularly selected for inclusion in the prestigious ‘True Colours’ exhibition, held annually in the Ulster museum. This exhibition selects and showcases the best work from across NI.



Our students’ achievements have also been formally recognised by CCEA, having been placed 1st in NI in both GCSE and A Level examinations



Staff

  • Miss Mairead Treacy (HOD)
  • Ms Laura McLaughlin (Technician)
  • Mrs Paula Quinn
  • Miss Kerry McWilliams

KS3

Years 8, 9 and 10. (K.S.3)
  • 5 all-ability classes in each year group.
  • Students study Art and Design for two 40 minute periods per week (totalling 1hr 20 mins).

GCSE

How will I be assessed in this subject? This is a linear qualification. There are two components: Component 1 (60%) and Component 2 (40%). It places a renewed emphasis on drawing, and on understanding and applying the design process. Which units will I study? Component 1: Part A: Exploratory Portfolio Part B: Investigating the Creative and Cultural Industries Component 2: Externally Set Assignment What skills and attributes do I need to be successful in this subject? Students become increasingly skilled at developing ideas, applying understanding of relevant practices, refining their ideas, recording as they go and using visual language critically. What careers pathways are available to me if I study this subject? GCSE Art & Design pupils perform very well at Saint Mary’s College and it should also be encouraging to note that our A-Level success is also remarkable. Should you decide to pursue Art and Design at A-Level, we will explore many possible 3rd Level Pathways. We have developed strong links with the School of Art Design and Architecture in Ulster University. They have provided our pupils with tailored and personalised tours around the entire Belfast campus and have helped pupils prepare for portfolio submission. More locally, we have developed links with Letterkenny Institute of Technology and Design. A representative visits the school to discuss all the 3rd level pathways available to pupils who wish to study closer to home. The number of our pupils who apply and who are successfully accepted onto 3rd level courses is exceptionally high. Careers in the Creative Industries include:  
  • Accessory Designer
  • Advertising Designer
  • Animator
  • Architect
  • Fashion Designer
  • Photographer
 

Post 16

Preferred Entry Requirements: Minimum grade C or higher in English Language and a grade A, or high B, in GCSE Art and Design Why study Art and Design? 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 established reputation in these industries. This qualification provides students with opportunities to develop key skills needed for the world of work and further and higher education. It creates a pathway to a future career in a creative field. 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. The study of GCE Art and Design nurtures a range of qualities which are highly sought after by employers. These include creativity, problem-solving, resourcefulness, resilience, imagination, empathy and innovation. Higher order thinking skills such as researching, analysing and reflecting are embedded throughout this qualification. What skills will I develop This qualification provides students with opportunities to develop key skills needed for the world of work and further and higher education. It creates a pathway to a future career in a creative field. The study of GCE Art and Design nurtures a range of qualities which are highly sought after by employers. These include creativity, problem-solving, resourcefulness, resilience, imagination, empathy and innovation. Higher order thinking skills such as researching, analysing and reflecting are embedded throughout this qualification. What careers pathways are available to me if I study this subject? 3rd Level Pathways We have developed strong links with the School of Art Design and Architecture in Ulster University. They have provided our pupils with tailored and personalised tours around the entire Belfast campus. More locally, we have developed links with Letterkenny Institute of Technology and Design. A representative visits the school to discuss all the 3rd level pathways available to pupils who wish to study closer to home. The number of our pupils who apply and who are successfully accepted onto 3rd level courses is exceptionally high. Careers in the Creative Industries include:
  • Animator
  • Fashion Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Jewellery Designer
  • Photographer
  • Set Designer
  • Event Planner
  • Art administrator

Examination Performance

GCSE: 100% A*-C AS: 100% A*-B A2: 100% A*-C  

Extra Curricular

 
Subject Support Time / Date
 
Art and Design After School Monday - Thursday 3.30pm – 5pm
Scheduled late night supervision PTM dates, Options nights etc
Easter Workshops Easter Holidays
SaturdaySchool Saturdays 10am – 1pm