Wellington College Belfast Co-educational Grammar School
Art and Design

The Art & Design Department at Wellington College provides opportunities for pupils to extend their knowledge and build on their skills and capabilities in Art & Design. Through the implementation of the revised N. Ireland Curriculum the Art & Design Department endeavours to promote a culture of and a thirst for Life Long Learning which facilitates and promotes transferable skills beyond the formal educational context.

Hannah Clarkson - Oil on Canvas 2009		Fiona Blythe fashion design at True Colours 2009

The Department seeks to build on our links with external Arts Bodies in order to maintain the high quality level of work and to keep abreast of new developments within the field of Art & Design.
In 2009, Creative Youth Partnerships at the B.E.L.B. granted Wellington College the opportunity to take part in the Individual Artists Programme.

Artist and Printmaker Robyn Courdiner worked with our year 12 and 14 pupils, in their final year of exam courses, to produce a range of prints. This was a two day workshop where the Artist taught a variety of printmaking techniques. The work tied in with and complimented their existing coursework.

A Level Print Workshop with Robyn Courdiner 2009

In February 2009, Art & Design pupils in year 11, 12, 13 and 14 had a trip to the CCEA ‘True Colours Exhibition'. This Exhibition displays high quality, innovative and contemporary art work of pupils from all over Northern Ireland. Viewing high quality work is an integral component to maintaining high standards. This trip will enhance the overall experience of the pupils understanding of the subject and the endless possibilities in Art & Design.

Mrs J. McCorry-Nicholl, Head Of Art and Design

All year 8, 9 & 10 follow a broad and balanced scheme of work over a three year period. The following is a breakdown of the units undertaken in the junior school. These units provide a solid foundation in Art & Design and provide the perfect platform for students who wish undertake further study at G.C.S.E and AS/A2 level. 

CCEA G.C.S.E Art & Design 2009

The G.C.S.E in Art & Design builds on and reflects the diverse range of experiences gained by students undertaking the N. Ireland Curriculum programme of Art & Design at key stage 3.

This course provides students with the opportunity to broaden their repertoire of skills and capabilities in Art & Design. Pupils undertaking the G.C.S.E in Art & Design have the freedom and flexibility to make a personal choice in relation to themes and media in which to work.

Pupils can choose from the broad range of disciplines such as:

• Ceramics.
• Drawing and Painting.
• Textiles and Fashion.
• Digital Media.
• Sculpture / Construction.
• Printmaking.
• Graphic Design.

Pupils undertaking the G.C.S.E in Art & Design will have the opportunity to build on their appreciation of Art & Design. Making relevant connections to works of Art, Craft and Design from both contemporary and historical sources is a vital component of the course.

Pupils will be encouraged to visit museums and galleries to develop their critical thinking and to build on their analysis and evaluation of works of Art, Craft and Design. Liaising with local Arts bodies is also an integral aspect of the course and where possible guest speakers and practising Artists will be brought into the school to lead practical workshops in their particular area of expertise.

The two units of work undertaken in Part 1 must have a 2-D outcome as well as 3-D outcome. One must be Fine Art and the other Design. For the E.S.A (externally set assignment) pupils can choose whether they wish to produce a 2-D or 3-D outcome and it may be either Fine Art or Design in orientation.

Recommendations for entry

Whilst it is not compulsory, criteria may be applied if the course is over subscribed. Pupils achieving a ‘B' grade or above in the year 10 assessment will be given 1^st priority. Pupils wishing to undertake the course in G.C.S.E Art & Design but do not meet the criteria are asked to seek the advice from their individual Art teacher and then the Head of Department.

CCEA AS and A2 Art & Design from September 2009.

‘The study of Art & Design nourishes, enhances and celebrates the students' creative, intellectual and artistic abilities. It stimulates and challenges students to realise their potential in a broad and relevant context.'

The main aims of the GCE AS / A2 in Art & Design are to encourage students to develop:

• an interest in, enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of art, craft and design:
• independence of mind in relation to developing their ideas while refining their own intentions and personal outcomes.
• the experience of working with a broad range of media, including traditional and new media and technologies.
• experience of working within relevant and real frameworks and where appropriate, make links to careers in the creative industries and
• intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers.

Key Features

• This course builds on the art, craft and design experiences gained by students who undertook the study of Art & Design at G.C.S.E level.
•  A significant and welcome reduction in unit content. The new course requires the completion of four as opposed to six, units in the overall award.
• The course provides a solid foundation for progression of study of art, craft and design at a higher level and in relation to employability.
• The course provides opportunities for freedom, flexibility and individualism regarding ‘choice' within the prescribed criteria.

Prior Attainment

The GCE AS and A2 Art & Design course is designed to facilitate progression from the G.C.S.E course in Art & Design.

Students should illustrate their suitability for the course by their attainment at G.C.S.E level.  Students achieving grade B or above will be recommended for the study of Art & Design at AS/A2 level.

Course Structure

Students undertaking Art & Design at Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level will be required to engage with practical, theoretical and critical study. Study at Advanced Level (A2) level will provide students with the opportunity to build on their AS experience and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding of the subject.

The table below is a summary of the GCE Art & Design AS and A2 course structure.

Another significant development with this new G.C.E AS & A2 in Art & Design is the unit A2 1: Personal Investigation.

This unit requires the student to communicate theoretical research through integrated practical and written forms and other communication formats.

Previously, the G.C.E in Art & Design required students to produce a 2000-4000 word dissertation. Students are now required to undertake a personal investigation unit (replacing the 4000 word dissertation) which also integrates a written component of 1000-2000 words.

Mrs Mc Corry-Nicholl (HoD)
Mrs C Agnew
Mrs G McGreevy
Miss N Neely (Technician)