Art & Design
Our Team
Mrs S. Young
Head of Department
Mrs C. Willey
Teacher
Miss C. Gamble
Art Technician
Our Department
The Art & Design Department aims to contribute to the spiritual, moral, physical, cultural, intellectual and social development of the pupils to run concurrent with the overall aims and objectives of Newry High School. The Art & Design Department is committed to the Northern Ireland Curriculum, which aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives, as individuals, as contributors to society and as contributors to the economy and the environment. Art & Design has a significant role to play in this as many young people at this age have a keen interest in trying to understand major issues that they encounter within their own culture, and through the media. Coming to a more informed understanding of the personal, social and environmental issues which will have an impact on them during their young lives.
Young people need to explore;
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- Their sense of identity and belonging
- Their curiosity about the world around them
- Their value system and how we interact with our world and with each other
The study and practices of Art & Design helps pupils in making sense of the world. Both in terms of the practical issues of design and their close relationship with the values of society; and in the consideration of how the products of culture enrich experience. For Art & Design to be relevant in the revised curriculum it must meet the curriculum objectives. These are; developing pupils as individuals, as contributors to society and as contributors to the economy and the environment.
Key Stage 3
The course at Key Stage 3 is designed to present a variety of experiences to enable pupils to develop knowledge, understanding and skills. Exploration of the visual world through observation and experiment, both in two and three dimensions, forms a crucial part of the programmes of study. Sketchbooks are of great importance and we run a series of Art clubs for both KS3 & KS4/5.
GCSE
GCSE Art and Design specification develops students understanding of how meanings, ideas and intentions can be communicated through visual and tactile language. Students learn how to use different media and technologies to realise their intentions. They develop their understanding of the creative and cultural industries, and refine their work through experimentation.
By studying this revised specification, students become critical thinkers with enquiring minds and increase their confidence in taking artistic risks. The course features a renewed focus on drawing, emphasising that it is an essential part of the creative process in all art, craft and design disciplines.
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.
Assessment will take place at the end of your course.
A-Level
Studying Art and Design at ‘A’ Level allows students to build upon and develop their knowledge and skills in all areas of Art, Craft and Design. Students will develop strengths in particular areas and use this for their personal investigations and research. At all times students will be developing and building upon their existing knowledge of the creative, intellectual and artistic processes within Art and Design. Studying GCSE Art and Design will allow students to:
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- Continue to build upon their personal knowledge; understanding and skills gained at GCSE level and develop these through investigating, realising, experimenting and problem solving which will all contribute to their employability.
- Produce work in 2D, 3D, fine art and design in a range of mediums; from painting to textiles, lens based media to sculpture, providing numerous opportunities to develop their creative, intellectual and artistic abilities.
Post 16 Extra Curricular Activities/Trips/Industry links
The Art Department offers a wide variety of contextual and Creative Industries exploration as part of the experimental portfolio element of the Course. All A ‘Level pupils are actively encouraged to pursue Art Gallery visits and to attend a variety of Creative Arts work-shops which will provide ample opportunities for advanced creative practice..
Art & Design
Specification
To enrich the student experience we participate in many area learning community initiatives and programmes including the Amazing the Space project. We enter many competitions both on a local and national level with huge success.
