St. John’s Central College:
Art, Craft and Design student handbook 2014/2015
We provide an art, craft and design programme
designed around the needs and aspirations of
the students.
The aims of the course are
• to provide our students with a comprehensive
visual education.
• to teach relevant practical skills.
• to provide a course structure that fosters
creative, original and personal responses in
work.
• to highlight and encourage professional
standards and professional practice.
• to provide guidance on how to present work.
• to develop our student’s communication,
problem solving and planning skills.
• to give learner a good knowledge of art, craft
and design appreciation and to be able to put
their work and ideas in context.
• to facilitate progress to employment or further
education
To get the very best from the course requires from the student a high level of
motivation, personal organisation, a positive attitude and a commitment
to engage in the creative process.
This is what is expected of students..
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To attend all classes,
to be on time for class,
to complete and hand up assignments on time,
to treat their classmates and staff with respect and courtesy,
to contribute to a positive working atmosphere.
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The corner stones of the course are
Practical skills
Visual Language
Design methodology
Experimentation
Contextual links
Art & Design
appreciation
Creativity
Personal engagement
and expression
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About the staff.
Each subject has a subject teacher. On the course all staff teach their own
specialisms. All staff are very experienced teachers who put the students and
their learning first. They are friendly and approachable and students should
call them by their first name.
The staff are (in alphabetical order)
Chris
Declan Benett
Sinead O’Halloran
Donal O’Dwyer
Lisa Cotter
Niamh Kelly
Ray Lonergan
Ruth Kelleher
Veronica Tobin
Jewellery & art metal craft
Woodcraft
Graphic design & computer graphics
Photography
Mixed media / combined materials
Drawing and painting
Drawing, painting and art appreciation
Communications
Sculpture /ceramics
If you have a difficulty in class or a positive suggestion to make let the subject
teacher know. Feedback is always welcome.
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Each class has a class teacher. The class teachers for each class are..
Class AA
Niamh Kelly
Class AB
Veronica Tobin
What are class teachers for?
The class teacher is the person to go to if you have any concerns/difficulties/
issues, if they can’t help you they may direct you to someone who can.
The class teacher also monitors student attendance and commitment so if you
are absent you will need to provide a written explanation (with a doctors cert,
appointment card etc. if appropriate) to your class teacher.
The course coordinator is Ray Lonergan, he welcomes all feedback from
students both positive and negative as it helps to make the course more
enjoyable and relevant to existing and future students.
Contacting staff:
The staff e-mail addresses are comprised of their first initial followed by their
surname followed by @stjohnscollege.ie
for example Niamh Kelly’s e-mail address is [email protected]
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Components, awards and FETAC.
FETAC stands for the Further Education & Training Awards Council.
The Award your are undertaking is a FETAC level 5 award in Art, Craft and
Design (code 5M1984)
To obtain a Major Award you must get a pass or greater in the following five
Components
1. Drawing
2. Sculpture
3. Design
4. Communications
5. Work experience
PLUS three more components from the following list
1. Painting,
2. Appreciation of Art, Craft and Design
3. Digital Photography,
4. Combined materials,
5. Woodcraft or Art metal craft
6. Graphic design
If a student does not pass enough components to achieve a Major award they
get a component certificate.
A Component Certificate is awarded to a candidate who achieves the
required standard in one module.
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Subject’s overview;
Drawing: 5N1862 (Ray Lonergan, Niamh Kelly)
Drawing is at the core of art and design. In class students work with a large
range of drawing techniques and media. Most of the drawing is from
observation and the subjects include still life, the human form and the
environment.
The aims of the subject are to improve drawing skills, to enhance visual
awareness and to develop drawing as a means of communication and
creativity.
For the assessment in drawing ALL types of drawing in your portfolio are
looked at, from drawing people, objects and places to sketches for sculpture
to drawings for designs.
An art appreciation assignment about the historical representation of form and
distance will also be part of this subject.
Final Assessment is based on the presentation of a selection of your work
(100% of the marks) and the final deadline is Friday May 1st 2015.
Painting: 5N1302 (Ray Lonergan, Niamh Kelly)
The aims of this module are to develop painting skills through using a wide
range of techniques and media.
You will be asked to interpret a variety of subjects such as the environment,
the human form and objects of inspiration through the application and
manipulation of these skills.
We will learn about the principles of colour, colour mixing and colour
representation through experimenting and applying a variety of styles,
techniques and media.
The projects are designed to develop creativity and self-expression as well as
visual awareness. You will develop your observation and recording skills
through painting as well as confidence in communicating and generating
ideas by employing traditional and experimental techniques and processes.
We will look at other artists’ work and the historical context of their work and
the use of colour and paint in other areas of art, craft and design.
You will be able to make informed critical judgement about your work and use
painting as a source of personal enquiry.
Your portfolio of work will include notebook, sketchbook and relevant support
studies. You will be assessed on your painting skills, creativity, development
of work and contextual linking. Final Assessment is based on the presentation
of a selection of your work (100% of the marks) and the final deadline is
Friday May 1st 2015.
Sculpture 5N1918 (Veronica Tobin)
The sculpture module level five covers a wide range of three dimensional
processes , through additive, subtractive and constructive skills. The learner
will explore a wide range of materials, techniques and equipment and express
personal ideas and interests in 3D form. Drawings and design are enhanced
which translate into finished work, which are an important aspect of the
sculpture module. The application of 3D skills can crossover into other related
modules on the art, craft and design course. Students develop critical
awareness of their own and others work and demonstrate an appreciation of
historical and contemporary developments in 3D expression. Notebooks are
an integral part of the sculpture and should be worked on right from the
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beginning, it should contain the following research, design development, and
sampling of various materials. It should also show work from other artists that
can inspire students. Assessment will be based on collection of work
(sculptures produced and notebooks) with a final deadline of Friday May 1st
2015.
Combined Materials
5N0764
(Lisa Cotter)
In this module students will learn how to explore and manipulate a wide range
of materials. Students will also to develop design concepts into completed
projects and combine a variety of materials and media to communicate ideas.
Module Content:
• Research
• Making
• Development of Work
The Portfolio is collectively assessed as a 100% Collection of Work, the final
deadline is Friday May 1st 2015.
Digital Photography: 5N1270
The module covers the fundamental skills of digital photographic production.
Using digital cameras and computer applications, it will enable creative,
original, experimental and personal responses in art practice.
The course will develop an awareness of photography as a contemporary
medium of communication, as well as documentation of arts practice.
Classes will incorporate presentations on various aspects of art practice
relating to photography as well as providing visual/conceptual references for
assignments.
Continuous review and tutorial process is essential in the development of the
portfolio structured work
Assessment
Project
30%
Learners Record
30%
Collection of Work 40%
Final deadline for portfolio submission will be Friday May 1st 2015.
Other deadlines may be given by the subject teacher during the year.
Design skills 5N0784 (All staff)
Design is a key element of most of the course subjects. It involves project
research and the development of design ideas and final design/s for 2D (twodimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional) work. Presentation of the project
work and the evaluation of the project is also part of the design process
It will be assessed when for example a project is researched, when sketches
are made for 3D work, when paintings are composed. An important part of
design module will be a project involving the design of a specific piece of art
and this project will take place after Christmas, this will account for 40% of the
module marks. The remaining 60% will be assessed on the quality of design
work shown in your portfolio particularly in your notebooks where there is
research, design development and finished pieces.
Final Assessment is based on the presentation of your work and the final
deadline is Friday May 1st 2015.
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Appreciation of Art/Craft/Design. 5N0755 (Ray Lonergan)
This subject explores what is art, craft and design, It’s historical and
contemporary contexts. It’s development, purpose and nature. Classes will be
presented through slides shows and class participation in discussion is
essential.
For Assessment there will be two assignments to be handed up during the
year worth 25% each.
One will be based on the exploration of some aspect of Art, Craft or Design
history also be used as a communications assignment .
The other will involve researching a historical art, craft or design movement
the creating a piece inspired by the movement.
Students are required to work on a notebook/sketchbook referencing the work
of between 15 to 25 artists, craftspeople and/or designers – this is worth 50%
of the marks. The final deadline is Friday May 1st 2015.
Art Woodwork 5N1559 (Declan Bennett)
In the Art Woodwork module, students explore their artistic possibilities in
wood. Areas covered will include relief carving, 3D carving and woodturning.
Prior experience in woodcraft is not necessary assessment is based of a
collection of work produced throughout the year. The final deadline is Friday
Friday May 1st 2015.
Art metal craft 5N1649
In this module students will learn how to design and manufacture jewellery
and larger metal artefacts by hand, using a number of metals such as bronze,
copper, brass and also some silver. Student’s are required to keep a
notebook of research and sketches related to jewellery and art metalcraft
design and making.
Assessment is based on a collection of course work done throughout the year
and handed in for assessment by the final deadline of Friday May 1st 2015.
Graphic Design skills (and Computer graphics) 5N1978 (Sinead O
Halloran)
This module introduces students to the Graphic design process of visual
communication, using text and images to present information. The Graphic
design practice embraces a range of skills including typography, visual arts,
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page layout, computer graphics and image manipulation to communicate
ideas.
Assessment is based on a Portfolio/Collection of Work 60% and Project
40% to be completed by the final deadline of Friday May 1st 2015.
Communications 5N0690 (Ruth Kelleher)
This module aims to teach students to communicate in a variety of ways –
orally, visually, via information technology, through research and assessment,
face to face, in group situations, and presenting. The module is tailored for
Art, Craft and Design students in order to make it relevant to the challenges
they face. There are three sections in the module.
Section 1 Interpersonal Skills Listening, Speaking, and Non-Verbal Communication
Section 2 Reading and Writing
Section 3 Communications Technology
At the end of the year students should be competent and confident in using
the full range of communication skills.
The module is100% assessment/task-based and work will be delivered using
a variety of media.
Ruth will provide a schedule outlining the various submission date/deadlines.
Work experience 5N1356
This module has two aspects.
Firstly there is a written research aspect that deals with
A. planning and preparation for work experience.
B. An assignment that deals with whatever specific vocational area that
you are interested in.
C.A review/account of your work experience.
60% of the marks are allocated here.
Secondly the remaining 40% of the marks are based on a report that your
work experience supervisor will complete.
The minimum requirement for work experience is 10 days (30 hours).
Work experience will take place from January 5th to January 16th .
There will be two options open to students.
1. Going out on work experience to a relevant work place (relevant to your
future career plans)
2. Working on a specific project in the college. (This will help build the portfolio
for application to 3rd level)
There will be submission deadlines for parts of the portfolio during the year.
Final portfolio deadline is Friday May 1st 2015.
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Day to day stuff:
If you are absent you should
Let you class teacher know in advance if possible e.g., an appointment, a
wedding.
Provide a written explanation to your class teacher when you return with a
doctor’s certificate if due to illness if appropriate.
Frequent absences seriously damage a student progress, it also may result in
loss of grant payment, referral to the college attendance committee and
possible loss of place in the college.
If you are late for class please show courtesy to your teacher by apologising
and offering an explanation and try not to be late again.
You should tell your teacher if you need to leave the room during class time.
Assignments, particularly in Art appreciation and communications should be
handed up by the deadline. Only in exceptional circumstances will work be
accepted after the deadline in accordance with the college’s deadline policy.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to hand up even one of these assignments may
result in it being impossible to receive a full FETAC award!
For health and safety reasons students are requested to
• Put litter in bins (paper and card in clear bags, other rubbish in
black bags)
• Keep walk ways clear
• Keep their workspace tidy
• Notify the teacher of spillages or other potential slip or trip hazards
• Not to use machinery without permission
• Not to use machinery without protective clothing etc.
• No smoking in doors
• Not use aerosols in doors
• Notify staff about any medical conditions which have health and
safety implications
• Eating is not permitted in classrooms and workshops.
Please note when using the sink: ACRYLIC PAINT, PVA GLUE and
PLASTER can cause serious drainage blockages.
Please clean excess Acrylic paint from palettes with a cloth before
washing.
Do not wash plaster covered items or hands in this sink.
Discard excess PVA in a bin.
Do not put white spirits down the sink.
Generally in the art rooms/workshops please
• Tidy your workspace after use, somebody else will be working there
when you are not.
• Put your work securely away with your name clearly marked on it.
• Do your bit on the clean up rota.
• Put materials and equipment away after use.
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Keeping in touch..
Timetables, calendars and other information are posted on the art room door
and notice boards.
There is also access to project briefs, course notes and course information on
the information resource centre/ library computers.
The Library /IRC (information resource centre)
The library has an extensive range of books, videos and DVDs , check out the
search engine on the library portal on the computers, it is located on level 3.
Portfolio preparation:
Before the midterm break Ray will start to meet all students individually to
discuss portfolios for application to further education. Please let him know as
soon as possible if you intend to apply to colleges outside the Republic of
Ireland or the National college of Art and Design. A Schedule of meetings will
be posted on the art room door. Further individual portfolio meetings are held
throughout the year.
Progression to CIT:
In 2011-12 the CCPS (Cork Colleges Progression Scheme) was totally
revitalised and now St. John’s has negotiated huge opportunities for its
students on both Level 5 & 6 programmes to be able to access Level 7 and
Level 8 (Year 1 and 2) Degree Programmes in CIT. Full details are available
from the Careers Guidance & Counselling Service (Level 3; Room 306) and
on the college website www.stjohnscollege.ie
Please take care to attend information sessions normally held after Christmas
by the various Departments in CIT (Cork Institute of Technology). Full details
of application are available on our website. Students must meet all criteria as
laid down according to the negotiated link.
Storing your work:
• Please never leave work on your desk.
• Wet work should be put in the drying rack and put in you folder when dry.
• all work must have your name and date on it.
• all 2D work should be stored in an A1 folder , which can be kept in a shared
plan chest drawer. This should be locked.
Personal sketchbooks:
The process of visually recording sights, experiences, ideas, feelings, materials by
drawing and collecting is a very important discipline for artists, craft-workers and
designers. So to encourage this practice it is recommended that you keep an A5
sketchbook on you and do at least 15 minutes work per day and ‘fill’ at least
seven pages per week. During his teaching time Ray might ask to see your
sketchbook to check on your progress.
What goes in it? Drawings, collected images, materials, possibly writing (but keep
it visual) about anything, which interest YOU. Above all record honestly and try to
make the pages visually interesting.
What Medium? Attach a pencil or pen if possible for sketching. Any medium you
think is appropriate.
What if I don’t see anything interesting? Draw something, which is not interesting,
just do some work in it each day.
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Calendar 2014-2015 (subject to changes)
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Codes of Conduct
The College aims to encourage students to pursue their studies in an
atmosphere that encourages partnership in learning. The focus within the
college community is, therefore, on personal responsibility to each other. The
College is dedicated to the promotion of equality of opportunity, to the
avoidance of unfair practice and to respect for and courtesy towards each other
regardless of race, religious beliefs, social class, gender or sexual orientation.
You can expect:
That we will provide you with accurate information and guidance on
opportunities
To have a named person as Class Teacher to be available as support
That we will monitor your work and advise you of your progress
Confidentiality in your dealing with us
Access to advice and counselling on any educational or personal matter
Representation on the Student Council & College Board of Management
To be treated with respect & dignity by all members of staff in a caring &
supportive atmosphere
That we will deal sympathetically with medical or other problems you may
have
Classes to start and end on time, and to be notified of any unavoidable
changes
The guaranteed delivery of your programme
That we will respond quickly to any problem you tell us about
To be kept informed about developments within the college that may affect
you
If you experience any difficulty with the above, you should inform your Class
Teacher in the first instance so that the matter may be dealt with.
We expect you to:
Be proud of the good name of the college and do nothing to take form that
good name
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Adopt a responsible attitude in helping to create a supportive community in
which everybody can flourish
Respect the rights of all others within the college community. Treat
everybody with respect, regardless of differences in culture, ability, race,
gender, age, sexual orientation or social class
Take responsibility for your learning by attending regularly and punctually,
working hard at your studies and completing all your assignments on time
Attend all timetabled classes, unless in exceptional circumstances where an
alternative arrangement has been negotiated with the College Authorities
Provide an explanation to your Class Teacher in the case of an occasional
absence, and a Medical Cert in the case of a longer absence through illness
Co-operate with teachers and all other college staff
Seek help if you need it and let us know quickly if you have any difficulties
Help to make the college a safe place for all
Take care of college buildings and furnishings, and respect the property of
others
Respect the privacy of every individual, both student and staff that no
recording, digital image should be taken without their prior agreement.
Students should make themselves aware of policies and procedures that are
current within the college; these are posted in the student zone of the college
website.
The normal rules that apply in any community apply in the college. Any
behavior which adversely affects the rights of any other member of the college
community or which disrupts the orderly conduct of college activity will be
considered a breach of discipline.
Possession or distribution of illegal substances is a serious offence and will be
immediately reported to the civil authorities.
SMOKING is only allowed in the designated area adjoining the Student
Canteen. Alcohol is strictly forbidden on campus.
Attendance & Punctuality
One of our most important considerations at this college is to see you complete
your course, with Full Certification and to see you enter the Workplace with
marketable skills, having experienced the best of work practices. From our
many years of experience we know that this is just not possible unless you
commit yourself to full participation in your chosen course of study.
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Full Participation Involves:
Punctuality at all times
Attendance at all of your timetabled classes and at Work Experience
Handing up work/assignments/projects on time
Co-operating fully with staff in the maintenance of accurate attendance
records
Poor Attendance/Punctuality may result in:
Referral to the College Attendance Committee
Difficulty in providing a favorable reference to other colleges, training
agencies or employers
Difficulty in recommending you for Full National Certification
Withdrawal of a place in second year, where a second year programme exists
Termination of your Course place /Student Grant/VTOS Allowances
In relation to attendance I accept that I must:
Notify the College immediately if I am absent from class for any reason
Give a written note to the class teacher to obtain permission for absences that
I will be aware of in advance (e.g. dental and medical appointments,
representing the college at sporting activities etc.). However, I accept that,
where possible, I should make such appointments outside of college time.
Avoid participation in work or other activities which are not part of my
course curriculum, during college hours
Take responsibility for ensuring that I am marked in on the class register if I
arrive after it has been marked.
Follow instructions given by teachers in relation to all aspects of my studies.
Where a student is absent for more than five days without permission or
medical certification they will be written to by the Chairman of the Attendance
Committee and invited to come before the Committee to offer an explanation
within seven days. Students who are absent for more than fifteen days, without
permission or medical certification are normally deemed to have left their
course. In this case a student may be allowed return having provided the
Committee with a satisfactory explanation and adequate guarantees as to their
future good attendance.
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Where a student is absent with medical certification for long periods or on a
recurring basis, the Attendance Committee may advise in the best educational
interests of that student that s/he take time out, and re-apply for a place in
college the following year.
Where the Attendance Committee decides that a student’s place should be
terminated s/he will be informed of the right to appeal to the College Appeals
Committee. The student will be allowed seven days to respond in writing.
Maintenance Grant
Grant payments are made on the basis of satisfactory student attendance at
college and absences not exceeding 5 days in the relevant month. Where a
student is absent with medical certification for long periods or on a recurring
basis, the college may not be in a position to recommend continuation of
payments.
Work Experience Student Contract
Work Experience is offered as an integral part of all courses in the College.
The importance of Work Experience lies in the fact that:
It provides an opportunity to experience a real work environment
It challenges students to experience working conditions and regulations in the
real world
It is mandatory module under QQQI (FETAC)and Department of Education
& Skills regulations and must be completed successfully in order to obtain a
full QQI (FETAC) award
It provides a valuable link between the College and world of employment
Many students are offered employment on foot of their diligent application to
work experience
When taking up work experience you are expected to represent the college to
the best of your ability. A high standard is expected of each student. Students
on work experience remain subject to the College Code of Conduct, and in
addition should comply with any guidelines laid down by the employer.
In particular your attention is drawn to the following:
Learning: Work experience is part of the learning process on which you have
embarked in Central College. It is very important that you take responsibility
for your own learning while on work experience, in order to gain the maximum
benefit from the time you spend with your employer.
Attendance: You are expected to be present and punctual at your designated
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work experience place during normal working hours.
Absence: If you are unable to attend at your work experience, you must inform
your employer and class teacher immediately. Absence from work experience
is permissible only in very exceptional circumstances e.g. illness, and will
require a full explanation, Medical Cert etc. Absence from Work Experience
will automatically be referred to the Attendance Committee
Appropriate Dress/Hygiene Many employers have a dress and/or hygiene
code, whether due to the nature of their business or for Health & Safety
reasons. You must comply with this code.
Instructions/Initiative: You are expected to follow all reasonable instructions
issued by your employer and to show initiative in your work practice.
Documentation: You are required to keep/collect all relevant work experience
documentation as advised by your Class Teacher.
If you have a genuine difficulty during your work experience, you should
contact the College immediately. Under no circumstances should you leave or
change your work experience without prior permission from the College.
The College staff have worked long and hard over many years in establishing
and maintaining the valuable network of employers. Any action by a student
that might jeopardize this would be viewed as a serious breach of the College
Code of Conduct, and will result in the student being referred through the
College Disciplinary structure.
In relation to Work Experience I accept that I must:
Cooperate with the class teacher in securing a suitable work experience
placement and inform the class teacher of suitable contact details.
Notify the college and the employer immediately if I am absent from work
experience. I understand that such absence will only be tolerated in extreme
circumstances.
Make no appointments, except in the most extreme circumstances, which
would require me to be absent from work experience.
Avoid participating in any other work or activities that would require me to
absent myself fromwork experience.
Follow the instructions given by my teachers and work supervisors relating to
my work experience
. Act in a manner in the work situation, which does not endanger my own
health and safety or the health and safety of others.
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NOTE: Two modes of work experience are used in this college i.e. work
placement and work practice. The more common is work placement with an
employer. However, some students take work practice, which involves a work
programme modelled on a real work situation. References in this contract
which are made, explicitly or by implication, to work placement should be
interpreted as applying equally to work practice.
Declaration: I have read the student contracts presented in this document
and I agree to abide by the terms of these contracts. I also acknowledge
receipt of my Student Diary, which contains my copy of the student
contracts.
Signed: ______________________________ Name:
______________________________
Release Consent
I give St. John’s Central College and the City of Cork VEC, its successors and
assigns, the right to distribute, advertise, broadcast and make use of the
contribution or any parts thereof and use my name, photographs, likeness and
voice recordings derived from the contribution in all media produced by the
college and will solely be used for college and the City of Cork VEC purposes.
This includes material for the college website www.stjohnscollege.ie and the
City of Cork VEC iTunes U platform.
Signed: ______________________________ Name:
______________________________ Class:
_______________________________
Date:_________________________________
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