Courses / Module

An aim of this Elective is to encourage access to, and use of art educational resources such as galleries, exhibitions and museums by Year 4 students. Students will have opportunities to see actual artwork by visiting national collections featuring both traditional and contemporary pieces. Following their exploration of a broad range of artistic styles, students are required to create their own canvas in homage to a selected artist or genre. The possibilities for cross-curricular study and project work are key feature of this elective. This stems from the curricular strand unit “Look and Respond” which promotes enquiry-based learning. Looking at images from cultures and eras other than their own is very appealing for children whilst extending their understanding of their experiences. Students questioning skills will be extended and honed through examining a range of art work which can lead beyond the canvas into project work. The need for “Openness and sensitivity to art” as “the basis for developing a critical faculty” is recognised in the Visual Arts curriculum. The importance of depth of experience, questioning and reflecting is also emphasised. (P.S.C 1999, Visual Arts Education, Teacher Guidelines, p121) Along with developing a specialisation in Visual Art education, this elective should resource students’ practice and encourage a spirit of enquiry in their teaching.
Aspects of initial and ongoing research will be recorded in a Portfolio and submitted towards a final grade. Along with preliminary drawings/photographs of stages and reproductions, the portfolio should include reflections on influences and appreciation of art elements