Units Of Learning
Here you will find the in-depth Units of Learning, where creativity knows no bounds! Explore diverse artistic realms, from the bold strokes of mural art to the captivating world of print, the depth of shadowboxes, the enchantment of claymation, and the storytelling allure of photography. Dive into these curated units, each unfolding a journey of discovery. Delve into project timelines, grasp the learning intentions, and navigate assessments. These Units act as a place where every unit helps in contributing to a vibrant canvas of student creativity and growth.
Mural art
In this mural art project, students embark on a journey to explore the transformative power of mural art, drawing inspiration from the remarkable success story of local hero and renowned musician Dermot Kennedy, a former student of our school. The project's core aim is to create an inspirational school mural that symbolizes the potential of dreams and hard work. Using Dermot Kennedy's journey and song lyrics as a creative foundation, we aim to convey a powerful message of resilience and hope. Lines from his songs like 'When you feel outnumbered' and 'better days are coming' become our guiding light, reminding students that challenges can be overcome, and brighter tomorrows await.
Beyond artistic expression, this project aims to delve into how mural art influences the educational experience and fosters community engagement. We seek to understand how mural art can bridge connections not only within our school but also with the wider community. Throughout this project, students will explore the history and significance of mural art, learning from renowned artists like Joe Caslin, Marian Noone (Friz), Aches, and local artist Geoff Tracy. They will acquire various painting techniques, including colour theory and stencilling, preparing them for their mural creation. The project also includes talks from professional mural artists and a graffiti tour of Temple Bar in Dublin to inspire and inform students as they embark on their mural-making journey. Ultimately, this project aims to leave an enduring mark on the school's walls and in the hearts of all who pass through, a testament to the transformative potential of art.
Stop motion through Claymation
During this project students will gain a knowledge and understanding of the design world through animation. Students will be following instructions and declines while also working in a collaborative work setting. Students will be given the brief ‘An aliens fist time on earth’, together as a class students will design the alien and then break off into groups of 5 to design their own segment of the animation. Each group must complete a stop motion that has duration of 10 seconds. Towards the end of the project all groups will combine their animation and present it to the class to see what their Alien got up to on earth.
Throughout the project students will be using story boards, character design, mood boards, scripts and background design. Working collaboratively will give students the the experience of working in a real working environment and will help students develop better communication skills.
Shadow boxes
For this project students will learn how to make their own shadowbox out of a series of paper/card cut outs and inserting into a handmade box that allows them to show perspective. The students will be put into groups of two or three depending on class numbers and will follow The theme of this project which is “In my dreams I go......” and will then have two subheadings that are more specific and will have to fit into one of the following two; sea/landscape, I meet... This theme gives students every opportunity to make their own shadow box out of whatever they find interesting, while also following a brief. Throughout the project students will have completed a brainstorms, mood boards, a story board and their own shadow box. When the groups narrows down on the scene, they have chosen they will learn about perspective, and how to create the background, middle ground and foreground to create the illusion of depth by separating all three. The student will also be shown how to make the shadow box in relation to silhouette, scale, a sense of perspective and depth and shape. All these topics are key to making a successful shadowbox. Over the course of the project students will be introduced into artists such as a RTE animator Alan Dune, Walt Disney for drawing style and silhouette and Joseph Cornell.
The number of layers will depend on the student’s capability and the type of scene they wish to portray. The max number of inserts is five and the minimum is three.
Lino Print
During this project students will be taking part in the process of print and all in entails. Students will be working off the brief ‘what makes our school so special’ whereas they will have to photograph and draw different studies of what they find special about their school. This is based of photographic studies focusing online, shape and interesting places in the school.
Students will be thought how to scale and photograph properly using their iPad and looking and photos done previously of the school, using these photos they will be making sketches using different media on different scales to suit their photo. Here they can mix and match different photos until they decide on their best design. At the end of the project students should have a body of work in the form of a scroll/ sketchbook along with 3 quality prints.