Art
Art in Marian College
Visual Art in Marian College is available at both Junior and Senior Cycle. This subject has enabled many of our past art students to go on to study in colleges such as NCAD (National College of Art & Design), IADT (The Institute of Art, Design & Technology), BCFE (Ballyfermot College of Further Education), Sallynoggin College of Further Education & Stillorgan College of Further Education.
The wide variety of career opportunities in this subject is very broad. Animation, Architecture, Product Design, Ceramics, Fashion Design, Model Making, Painting, Print, Sculpture, Graphic Design, Ceramics, Stained Glass Art, Set Design and Education to name but a few. It is also a useful subject to take up to help with practical trades such as carpentry and engineering to help with drawing skills, special awareness and 3D design. It gives students the opportunity to experience tasks which enhance creativity, collaboration, ability to question, risk- assessment, problem identification, problem-solving and management of their own emotions; skills that form a natural learning mechanism that can enhance their own development. Students learn how best to use traditional and contemporary technologies for both creative and operational purposes.
All these skills and dispositions are key to future learning in senior cycle, higher education and also in the world of work.
In Marian College the main principles of Visual Art are taught through sketchbooks and project-based work, to enhance drawing, visual literacy and personal expression. This syllabus is assessed at the end of third year at two levels, Ordinary and Higher. The quantity and quality of work produced determine the differences between the two levels.
At Senior Cycle the students practice for the Leaving Cert project (50%) which takes place from January to March in sixth year. There is a Life Drawing exam in May (12%) and an Art History exam (38%) based on Irish, European Art and Art Appreciation. Art Appreciation involves trips to the local and National galleries to see art, craft and design first hand.
The students further the skills learned at Junior Cycle and prepare for Art College with a portfolio if they wish to study the subject at third level.
