Choosing Art for Junior Cycle
“Research indicates that a child who is exposed to the arts acquires a special ability to think creatively, be original, discover, innovate, and create intellectual property—key attributes for individual success and social prosperity in the twenty-first century provides an endless opportunity for making choices, coming to conclusions, second-guessing decisions, and evaluating results. Children become more comfortable with uncertainty and remain flexible thinkers.”
Educators tell us that art encourages fine motor skills, neural development, and problem-solving abilities and that it can be used effectively to teach and understand other key subjects such as reading, writing, math, and science.
Therapists tell us that art is valuable because it allows children to process their world, to deal with sometimes scary emotions in a safe way, and because it gives them critical sensory input.
Artists tell us that art is important for its own sake—as a source of beauty and expression, as well as simply for the process of creating.
Kids tell us that art is fun, an activity they enjoy.
Art is naturally linked to creativity, an attribute that is increasingly being touted as one of the most important factors for the success of individuals, organizations, and cultures.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” PICASSO
1st Year
7 week introduction to Art. This block of classes allows students to experience a variety of Art, Craft and Design mini-projects. Students are introduced to a variety of media and techniques that will help them to make an informed decision about Art for Junior Cycle.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Thomas Merton.
2nd Year
Students will explore options such as Pottery, Lino Print, Drawing and Painting, Puppetry, Batik and much more!. They will develop their Sketchbook skills and find their own approach to recording and exploring themes, media and materials. They will learn the value of using Primary sources as part of their research and annotation as a means of problem solving and recording.
CBA 1 (Classroom Based Assessment 1)
Students will complete their CBA 1 after Christmas in 2nd year. All work is produced during allocated Class time making it an enjoyable, stress free project. This result will be recorded in their profile of achievement. No Marks are allocated towards their Junior Cycle Exam.
3rd Year
Students continue to develop their skill by exploring a variety of media, and techniques. These are recorded in their Visual Notebooks. Exploration of Themes allocated by the Department of Education are recorded in their Visual Notebooks between September and October.
CBA2 is completed before Christmas in the allocated Class time and is recorded on their profile of achievement. These grades are not counted towards their junior cycle exam, however, the work and research produced will determine what direction they take for their Junior Cycle Art Exam after Christmas.
Junior Cycle Visual Art Exam
Students will complete a project booklet provided by the Department of Education. They must also complete 2 Options from the ART, CRAFT and DESIGN strands. One of these options must be 3D. All parts of this project must be completed in school under the supervision of their Art Teacher.
Further Information is available at: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Junior-cycle/Junior-Cycle-Subjects/Visual-Art
Coláiste Éamann Rís 