Art
Studying Art enables students to develop creative and technical skills, engage in critical thinking, and enhance fine motor abilities. It fosters emotional expression, boosts confidence, and helps them connect Art, Craft, and Design with other subjects and real-world applications.
In Sandford students embark on an artistic journey of creativity and skill development, exploring diverse mediums like painting, sculpture, printmaking, costume design, etc. They gain hands-on experience with various tools and techniques, enhancing both their creative and technical abilities. This process involves not just creating artwork, but also engaging in idea generation and decision-making as they research, plan and execute their projects.Students refine their fine motor skills through intricate tasks, such as drawing detailed observational sketches or designs or even manipulating sculpting materials such as clay and wire. The syllabus along with the extra-curriculars offered to students cover a broad yet balanced range of elements from the Art, Craft, and Design curriculum. Students of all skill levels enjoy the many diverse learning experiences provided within the subject. They are also provided with chances to visit galleries, museums, and heritage sites. A significant number of our students have pursued careers in areas like fine art, visual communications, architecture, interior design, animation, filmmaking, and photography. Overall, the art classroom becomes a sanctuary for emotional expression, allowing students to convey their feelings and ideas visually. This artistic exploration boosts their confidence as they see their visions come to life.
Competitions
Junk Kouture is a National and International Competiton whereby secondary school students are challenged with creating a runway design made completely from recycled materials. The Designs can be made from anything including plastic bags to cardboard or discarded packaging. These waste materials are collected and manipulated to form wearable structures through processes such as knitting, weaving, plaiting, melting, sewing, etc. The finished designs are submitted to compete with other schools all around Ireland and are in with a chance to model their work on stage for semi-finals in the Helix and further in the all-Ireland Final in the 3 Arena.
Programmes
The Portfolio Development Classes for students offer students the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge necessary to create an outstanding portfolio for applications to third-level Art and Design institutions. These classes are ideal for aspiring students in fields such as art, design, architecture, fashion, media, product design, art teaching and other creative disciplines where a strong portfolio of work is essential for admission.
Portfolio
Students are given the opportunity to compete in a wide range of different Art competitions throughout the school year such as The Zurich Portrait Prize, the Texaco Art Competiton and others. Students also engage in school wide poster competitions during wellbeing week, maths week and friendship week, etc.