Why Study Art?

​

As a creative and innovative department, we take pride in Art and Design being an integral part of our lives. At Lurgan Junior High School through our extensive knowledge-based curriculum, we teach foundation skills and knowledge that helps our pupils to pursue courses and career pathways within the Creative Industries. We believe that being creative promotes positive mental health and wellbeing.

                                     

Through research and exploration of professional practitioners’ work, our pupils gain essential analytical and practical skills. By developing their imagination through creative experimentation and application of techniques they can demonstrate mature, well considered ideas and personal outcomes. Through experience with a variety of media including paint, pencils, textiles, three-dimensional construction, drawing and digital media, pupils enhance their fine motor skills, problem solving and thinking capabilities.  Our pupils develop their confidence, independence and demonstrate effective teamwork skills through their ability to critically reflect on peer and individual progress. These are transferrable qualities that prove invaluable within the world of work.

 

​We are proud of the range of topics and content explored throughout key stage 3. Topics include portraiture, colour theory, Surrealism, still life, Pop Art and ceramics. Pupils develop knowledge, understanding, skills and processes by exploring creative ideas through research and investigation of Artists, Designers, Craftspeople and Cultural influences both past and present, this is evident through their written component of their Winter and Summer examinations. Our detailed knowledge organisers help students to understand and implement the use of the formal visual elements of Art and Design.

 

Outside the classroom, our pupils are afforded the opportunity to visit Art galleries such as the FE McWilliam studio in Banbridge and they can enter various external Art competitions where their work is showcased and highly commended. 

​