ART & DESIGN

OVERVIEW

Art makes an important contribution to Kilkeel High School by helping promote the aesthetic, creative and critical development and understanding of all pupils in the school. It also offers the pupil with interest and motivation to develop to their full potential in the field of visual arts. It offers many transferable skills sought after in many different professions.

Art & Design stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile, and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world. Pupils use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. Through Art & Design activities, they learn to make informed, valuable judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions becoming actively involved in shaping environments. They explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, craftspeople and designers. They learn about the diverse roles and function of art, craft and design in contemporary life and in different times and cultures. Understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts have the power to enrich our personal and public lives which is what our practices in the department will promote.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

During Key Stage Three pupils will also have the opportunity to complete work for a range of local and national competitions. Each year we enter Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Environmental Calendar Competition, the Credit Union Art competition, KHS Anti-bullying week art competition and many others that we our presented with each year. In order to meet deadlines for these, schemes of work are on occasion put on hold for a week or two. We feel that it is important for young artists and designers to showcase their work. We have had much success within the Department. It is also a great way to promote Art and Design in the community.