Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
4th Class Creative Explorations: Visual Arts for 4th Class
A comprehensive studio based program designed to develop technical skills and aesthetic awareness in 4th Class students. This course emphasizes the creative process through hands on exploration of diverse media and critical response to historical and contemporary artworks.
Lines, Layers, and Landscapes
Students explore the fundamental elements of drawing and painting to capture the world around them. This unit focuses on observational skills and the expressive potential of different mark making tools.
Developing the ability to see and record fine details in natural objects using graphite and charcoal.
Using color mixing and brushwork techniques to create depth and distance in painted landscapes.
Exploring facial proportions and using expressive color to convey emotion in self portraits.
Form and Space in Three Dimensions
An investigation into sculpture and construction using clay and recycled materials. Students learn to manipulate volume and consider the relationship between an object and its surrounding space.
Learning pinch, coil, and slab methods to create functional and decorative ceramic forms.
Constructing imaginative structures using found objects and exploring the concept of sustainability in art.
Using wire to create line drawings in space and exploring sculptures that move.
Patterns, Prints, and Textiles
Students explore surface design through printmaking and fabric work. This unit emphasizes repetition, rhythm, and the tactile qualities of different fibers.
Creating block prints using foam or lino to explore symmetry and tessellation.
Introduction to basic weaving techniques and the use of threads to create texture on fabric.
Exploring resist dyeing methods to create vibrant designs on cloth.
The Artist's Lens: History and Criticism
A deep dive into art history and the role of the critic. Students learn to analyze artworks from different eras and cultures while developing their own artistic voice.
Studying the works of significant Irish artists and how they captured the identity of the nation.
Learning how to describe, analyze, interpret, and judge artworks using specific artistic vocabulary.
Exploring how artists use their work to talk about important issues in the world.
Digital Media and Modern Narratives
Integrating technology into the art room. Students use digital tools to create animations, photography, and graphic designs that tell modern stories.
Learning the rule of thirds and lighting techniques to take compelling digital photographs.
Creating short animated sequences using clay figures or paper cutouts and digital software.
Exploring the relationship between text and image to create posters or digital advertisements.