Art

Subject Content

Design or Craft - 5 hrs - 100 marks

Batik, Weaving, Calligraphy, Lino Print, Book craft, Poster, Sculpture etc.
Students get the exam paper one week prior. Pupils produce a preparatory page i.e collect and stick down images, lettering and drawings on one A2 page. This page may be brought into the exam to aid the creation of a final piece and also the development page. The development page must show initial designs, layout and development of the final design.

Imaginative Composition / Still Life 2hrs 30mins- 100 marks

Students are given a choice of 3 texts.
Imaginative Composition -A picture, sketch, painting, collage, mixed media.
Still life- A composition of still life objects using a variety of media.
Students receive the exam paper on week prior to the exam.

Life Sketching - 1hour - 50 marks

Two sketches of a model in a specific pose.
Students receive the exam paper one week prior to the exam.

Art History 2 hrs 30 mins - 150 marks

3 Sections - students must answer one question from each section.
Irish - Prehistoric to present day.
European - Middle ages to present day.
General appreciation - Design, film, exhibitions, town planning, public sculpture, posters, advertising.

Exam Structure

There are 4 Examinations

2/3 Practical  1/3 History and Appreciation of Art

• 1 - 5 hour Craft Exam.
• 1 - Imaginative Composition Exam / Still Life.
• 1 - Life Drawing Exam.
• 1 - Art History Exam.

A more detailed pupil information sheet regarding exam structure is available.

Marking Scheme for elements of Art Exam

Ordinary/Higher level .
1. Design or Craft 100 (5hrs - completed in one day). 
2. Imaginative Composition or Still life 100.
3. Life Sketching 50 (two studies).
4. Art History 150 (3 questions X 50 marks each).

For elements 1. 2. and 3. - Pupils receive exam papers a week prior to sitting exam. These exams are completed at the end of April/beginning of May.

Comment

An aptitude for easy writing, self directed research skills and a sound understanding of the design process is essential for Senior Level Art.

There is no continuous project work in 6th year – all exam based. Pupils receive practical exam papers a week prior to sitting exam. These exams are completed at the end of April/beginning of May. The Art History exam is completed in June.  A gallery trip is compulsory for the course.

The structure of the course and the exam is very different to that of the Junior Certificate course. This subject is not advisable at this level unless you have previously experienced it at junior level or you have shown an aptitude for art in fourth year.