In addition to meeting the mandatory requirements of the Northern Ireland curriculum, the department aims to develop a wide range of practical skills in two and three dimensions, as well as an awareness of art and design in a wider sense. We hope to foster an enjoyment of Art and Design for those pupils who do not intend to study it beyond Key Stage 3, as well as providing a good foundation for further study for those who do.

We believe strongly in the importance of observational drawing, fostering good relationships through group work activities and providing opportunities for the use of new technologies through both research and practical activities. Where possible, flexibility and choice are built into the curriculum to enable the needs and interests of pupils to be met. 

STAFF

Mrs A Moore                        Head of Department

Mrs MC McCullough   

Miss G Russell     

Mrs A Hill

	Gallery area of Art Department

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

The department comprises four specialist art studios, one of which contains a ceramics area and kiln.  A darkroom awaits conversion to a computer suite. 

CURRICULUM

The Department follows the mandatory requirements of the Northern Ireland curriculum

Form 2 Groupwork Activity	Form 3 sculpture inspired by Alberto Giacometti
GCSE Art Coursework	AS Art Coursework

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS AND EXCHANGES 

Pupils have participated in a range of workshops, for example as part of the Belfast Festival at Queens.

	Staff and U6th pupils with Diarmuid Gavin at the launch of the 'Art of the Garden Exhibition', Ulster Musuem Photograph courtesy of Stanley Matchett

EXTRA CURRICULAR

Opportunities for extra-curricular activities exist in the form of a Junior Art Club, an after school club taken by all members of the department on a rota basis.  The department operates an ‘open door’ policy for all pupils, enabling further work to be undertaken at lunchtime and after school by prior arrangement.

Pupils are made aware of a range of competitions and have enjoyed considerable success in recent years.  In addition, a number of pupils from examination classes have had work chosen for CCEA’s ‘True Colours’ exhibition –showcase of some of the best work from the previous year’s examinations.

2006 NEWS

The 2006 winner of the Ryan Prize for GCSE Art and Design is Emma Hardstaff of Form 5. The winner of the Ryan Prize for A Level Art and Design is Karishma Kusurkar and the Ryan bursary is awarded to Josh Nixon who hopes to study Architecture in Glasgow next year.