Art

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Junior Cycle Visual Art 

CBC Art Department, believe in nurturing creativity, fostering self-expression, and empowering young artists to explore their potential. Our mission is to inspire a lifelong love for art, cultivate critical thinking, and provide a supportive environment for growth. 

All first year students get to sample Visual Art in the first weeks of term. Art students explore a variety of materials and techniques to enhance their drawing skills from primary sources, both physically and conceptually.  There is a focus on the development of ideas and skills, concepts, and practice. Students use a sketchbook to aid them with this process. New techniques and crafts are introduced to all classes including but not limited to printing making, mixed-media, textiles, graphic design, 3D modelling and ceramics. Every project is supported with research of artists’ work to explore, reference, and inspire the students in their own work. 

Assessment:

Students will under take a classroom based assessment during 2nd year (CBA1- From process to realisation) which will focus on one of the three strands: Art, Craft or Design. 

In early 3rd year students will receive three themes to base their second classroom based assessment on (CBA2- Communicate and Reflect). They will develop multiple ideas during CBA2, explore materials and techniques (Sept-Dec)  before selecting and presenting their final ideas. This will inform the start of their final assessment project. 

The Final Assessment lasts for 10 weeks (Dec- April approximately) and is 100% coursework.  The preparatory booklet and final pieces hold equal weighting at 50% each. The work is examined by the State Exams Commission in June. 

For further information on the specification see Junior Cycle Visual Art Curriculum

Leaving Certificate Art Curriculum:

Leaving Cert Art is assessed on a combination of practical work and a written examination at both Higher and Ordinary Level.

Coursework = 50% (Dec-April) 

Students will receive a brief from the SEC in December of 6th year and have approximately 12 weeks to complete a preparatory booklet and a realised piece known as 'Final Artefact A'

Day Practical = 20%  (April)  

Students will create a second realised work for this examination 'Final Artefact B', based on the same stimulus and the ideas and work they researched and developed during their overall coursework project. The exam lasts for 5 hours and students may work in a specialism of their choice. 

Written Exam = 30%  (June)  

• Today's World (Students must answer a minimum of 5 short questions) 10%
• Europe and The Wider World (Learners must answer one essay question)  10%
• Ireland and The Wider World  (Learners must answer one essay question)  10%

For further information on the specification see  Senior Cycle Art Curriculum  

Or you can watch this short video guide from Mrs Waring 

//www.youtube.com/embed/F0kyhR09Njk#t=0.5

 

Artist in the Classroom 

We recently welcomed local textile artist Louise Loughman into the art room. Funded by a JCSP initiative, Louise worked with 2nd year art students over 3 sessions where they learned about her art practice. She shared her skills and expertise with them and they produced some beautiful batik work that forms part of the 'Creative Voices' exhibition in the Íontas Centre. 

   

 

Gallery Visits

 Senior Cycle Art students recently visited the National Gallery where they were able to see first hand some examples of Impressionist and Post Impressionist artwork. They also enjoyed a guided tour of the RHA where they saw more contemporary work in the  RDS Visual Arts Awards show.

 

 

Competitions

Junk Kouture

Faith and Alexis, TY, recently took to the stage in the Helix and impressed judges with their creation 'An African 1900'. Huge congratulations to the girls on becoming Regional Finalist 2025, what an achievement!

 

 

Re:Love Fashion

Hannah and Caoimhe, TY have made it through the finals of Re:Love Fashion 2025! Their outfit is upcyled from two pairs of mens jeans and inspired by 90s pop band B*witched and Taylor Swift. We wish the girls the very best of luck in Balbrigan at the end of April.