Arts and Moving Image

Overview

At Ballyclare High School we encourage an adventurous and imaginative approach to the subjects of Art and Design and Moving Image Art. We have a vibrant, dynamic department which has received many awards and accolades for the work of our pupils.

We value the importance of traditional skills such as drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture, but believe that they are best when used in conjunction with digital media.

The study of Art requires that not only practical artistic skills should be developed, but also that the study of Art history and its various contexts should form part of our pupils’ education. However, the most valuable skill that our pupils acquire is to think like an artist. Art is about asking questions.

Staff

Name	Role
Mr P Reid	Head of Subject
Mrs R Black	Teacher
Miss B Fernadez	Teacher
Mrs O Gilkenson	Teacher

Curriculum

A Level Art and Design at Ballyclare High School encourages an adventurous and imaginative approach to this subject. Along with the more traditional skills such as drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture, pupils will also have the opportunity to experience a broad range of digital media including photography and film.

The Subject Criteria for Art requires that not only practical artistic skills should be developed in any course of study, but also that the study of art and its various contexts should form part of the pupil’s education. Pupils will therefore be required to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary art and design practice and be able to produce a personal response that embraces a range of ideas.

In the January of Year 13 pupils must decide whether they are taking the AS Level (1 year) or the A Level (2 years) as these are 2 separate qualifications.

Modules

Examining Board: Edexcel

AS Level (1 year)

Unit 1: Coursework 50%

Internally set
Internally marked

Unit 2: Exam 50%

A preparation period and 10hr exam

Externally set
Internally marked
Externally moderated

A Level (2 years)

Unit 1: Coursework 60%

Internally set
Internally marked

Unit 2: Exam 40%

A preparation period and 15hr exam

Externally set
Internally marked
Externally moderated

Teaching Methods

Owing to the nature of the subject which requires each pupil to make an individual response to the creative problems they encounter, teaching will be mostly on a one-to-one basis. Pupils will therefore be expected to plan and manage their own work schedule in conjunction with their class teacher.

Assessment Methods

This is a continuous process which takes place on a weekly basis through dialogue with the class teacher. The Coursework must be completed by a given date, usually May. A formal assessment of coursework takes place January / February, with externally set

exams in April / May of the final year; this is Year 13 for an AS Level and Year 14 for A Level. However, all pupils are required to set up an end of year exhibition.

GCSE Art & Design at Ballyclare High School encourages an adventurous and enquiring approach to this subject. Along with the more traditional skills such as drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture, pupils will have the opportunity to experience computer-aided design, animation and video. The new GCSE subject criteria for Art require that not only practical artistic skills should be developed in any course of study, but also that the study of art and its various contexts should form part of the pupil’s education. pupils will therefore be required to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary art and design practice and be able to produce a personal response that embraces a range of ideas.

Course Content

The Coursework

The coursework is what the pupils will do in class and at home over the duration of the two years and will be compiled in the form of sketchbooks. The work in the sketchbooks will record the development of skills and ideas leading to a conclusion. One of the conclusions must be 3D and the other 2D.

The Exam

The exam is identical in nature to a coursework project, except that it is externally set by the exam board. There is an unlimited preparation period and a 10 hour timed examination in which the pupil is required to make a piece of work, which is a conclusion to the exam project.

Assessment

60% Coursework

Internally set / 2 projects – One conclusion must be 2D and the

other 3D. Assessment takes place during May/June of the second year.

40% Final Exam

Externally set. A timed examination lasting 10 hours (takes place March / April of the second year of the course). Assessment takes place during May/June of the second year.

Teaching Methods

Facilities

The Art Department at Ballyclare High School is equipped with a wide range of facilities that foster creativity and artistic expression. Our purpose-built studios offer spacious, well-lit areas for painting, drawing, and sculpture, providing pupils with the ideal environment to develop their skills. The department also features specialised equipment for printmaking, digital art, and photography, alongside traditional art materials to support a variety of mediums.

With access to a dedicated computer suite for digital design and a gallery space to showcase pupil work, the Art Department provides a dynamic setting where pupils can experiment, explore, and refine their artistic talents.

Arts and Moving Image

Overview

Staff

Curriculum

Facilities

Art & MIA Exhibitions