Laurelhill College

KS3 Art

Art in junior school is both educational and fun!  There is a varied and interesting scheme of work designed thoughtfully for each year gorup.  Traditional skills, such as drawing and painting, are nurtured and many new skills and techniques are explored.  Pupils experience Textile Design when using wax and fabric dyes in Batik Printing.  Polyboard printing is an integral part of many projects.  Pottery is taught to all year groups with each pupil having the opportunity to design and create an original piece of work.  Wire sculpture and modelling with 'Mod-roc' are creative skills enjoyed by all the pupils.  To enhance each project further, the pupils are taught about relevant Contextual Artists and Craftspeople.  This not only enriches knowledge of Art in general but also lays solid foundations for research necessary if Art is studied to GCSE level, or further, in the senior school.  Home work schedules compliment class work where appropriate.  Pupils are encouraged to develop further their ICT skills when researching Contextual Artists on the Internet.

The aim of the KS3 Art curriculum is to develop the creativity of each individual pupil and increase their proficiency in a wide area of study, expand their conceptions of Art and Design, introduce them to a comprehensive range of skills, medial and techniques and enrich their knowledge of Artists and Craftspeople.

KS4

At Laurelhill Community College we have a thriving, well equipped Art Department suitable for those wishing to study Art at a higher level.

Pupils can choose to follow the GCSE Art and Design course in years 11 and 12.  The course is two years in length.  Pupils are guided and encouraged at all stages of the course.  They find it interesting, enjoyable and satisfying.  Many valuable skills are established.

A Level Art

At Laurelhill Community College we have an industrious and stimulating Art Department which caters for the needs of those wishing to continue studying Art to A Level.  Many of our pupils go on to study Art at University.  Similar to the AS Course, A Level is completed in one year.  The Assessment Objectives are similar also but the standard expected is, of course, at a higher level.  There is also a written element in A Level Art called a 'Personal Investigation'.  Candidates are required to complete two sections; Coursework and an Externally Set Assignment. (ESA)

The written Personal Investigation is an extended essay of 1,000 - 2,000 words.  Written text should be carefully considered and arranged, demonstrating clear progression between ideas and outcomes.  Pupils take great pride in the presentation of their essays, often decorating and illustrating them lavishly.  The theme chosen by candidates should stem from artistic strengths and personal interests, demonstrating ability to combine experience with visual and written responses.

Visiting the 'True Colours' Exhibition in Belfast is enjoyed by all.

Occupational Studies

This course is part of 'Design and Creativity'.  It consists of two units of work:

Unit One: Graphic Design

This Unit is designed to introduce learners to the basic techniques and processes used within Graphic Design.  Learners are required to show understanding through a finished Design Brief.  Health and Safety issues are considered.

Unit Two: Interior Design

This Unit is designed to give learners basic understanding of the skills and designs needs to work in the Interior Design Industry.  They are introduced to basic Colour Theory and Design Skills.  Health and Safety issues are considered.

Art Club

An Art Club exists for Junior College pupils where they engage in a wide range of creative and interesting activities.  Many pupils attending this Club have tremendous fun helping out with the painting of the scenery for the college Musical.

Art Support Club

This facility is open to all pupils but targets examination pupils in particular.  GCSE, AS and A Level pupils are offered extra tuition and given access to all equipment in the Art Department.  This gives pupils opportunities to complete work, continue with experimental techniques and prepare presentation pages for their forth-coming exhibition.