The following is the course outline for the Leaving Certificate:

Observational Studies

Sketches and studies in black and white and colour of natural forms and man-made objects: buildings and landscapes under varying conditions: human figures.

These studies should serve to build up a store of visual images necessary for creative activity in Imaginative Composition, Design and Craftwork.

Imaginative Composition and Still Life

Experimentation with a variety of media in an attempt to find the vehicle of expression that best suits the temperament of the individual and the nature of the composition.

Design and Craftwork

Activity leading to a development of a sense of pattern and rhythm study of colour, mainly direct from nature; experiments to determine the potentialities and limitations of specific crafts.

As the visual experience of the pupils is conditioned by a heritage from earlier generations, both recent and remote – it is desirable that continual references be made to existing cultural resources. Therefore, the History and Appreciation of Art are included in the course to afford pupils an opportunity of showing awareness of the place of the visual arts in our culture and community. This does not call for specialised study of the History of Art but the teacher may find it fruitful to lay special emphasis on a selected field of interest, e.g. “Art in Early Christian Ireland”, “European” or “Modern Art”.

It is assumed that the Art teacher in the normal course of his work will have familiarised pupils with a wide variety of reproductions, slides and original works of Art and will have actively encouraged individual and group visits to local museums, galleries, national monuments and modern buildings etc. Opportunity should also be given for discussion of topics based on the every-day visual experience in their own environment.

It is suggested that the Art teacher select the field of special study for which most material is available in his own area.

The excellent Art Department Web Site cbcart.ie is here - with picture galleries by students and videos about major artists – updated regularly by Mr. O Farrell.