ART AND DESIGN
SUBJECT POLICY
1

INTRODUCTION
WHY IS THE CAMBRIDGE ART AND DESIGN COURSE BENEFICIAL TO OUR STUDENTS?
The Art and Design “International General Certificate of Secondary Education” (IGCSE 0400) and “Advanced
Subsidiary Level” (AS level 9704) Courses are internationally recognised and accepted by all Universities and
Art Colleges.
Art and Design complements literary, mathematical, scientific and factual subjects, as it is especially
concerned with the development of visual perception and critical thinking. Students are expected to develop a
range of artworks, showing evidence of visual knowledge coupled with critical and cultural awareness.
Cambridge qualifications develop successful candidates. They gain lifelong skills, including:
• Technical confidence in developing skills in two and three dimensional form and composition
• The ability to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile forms
• How to develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions.
Moreover, Cambridge provides a world-class support service for teachers and students. They offer a wide
range of materials such as: past papers / examination reports / ask the examiner sessions / interactive
presentations / training courses – both online and face-to-face.

BASIC OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
This is a practical-based course designed to stimulate personal enrichment and enjoyment through artistic
exploration and conceptual thinking. Students are expected to develop their style throughout the course, as
well as learn and implement certain skills and processes.
This course ensures that students:
-
experiment with a range of media, materials and techniques confidently and successfully
record from direct observation and personal experience
have an understanding of, and an appreciation for, various local and international artists
understand, and make use of, the technical terms used in both practical and theory
develop an imaginative, creative and personal response to a stimulus
identify and solve problems in both visual and tactile forms
develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions
investigate and research a variety of primary and secondary sources
continually challenge and develop new concepts and thought processes
respond individually and creatively to a variety of themes
be culturally and politically aware
communicate openly and honestly and respond to works both positively and critically.
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
COURSE OUTLINE
Grades 5 – 7
Up until 2010 we had no Junior School Art teacher. Class teachers offered art as a fun activity only. However
with the benefit of a Junior Art Teacher, these students are now being exposed to the basic elements of art
from an early age, which will benefit them in the long run.
Grades 8 and 9
All students take Art in Grade 8 and as a result, we are constantly aware to make our syllabi current and
enjoyable for their age group and suitable for students with varying artistic capabilities. Students choose art as
a Cambridge subject at the end of grade 9. However, from 2011 students are now allowed to choose between
Art, Drama or Music at the end of Grade 8. This gives hope to speed up this process and allow those
interested in taking art, as an IGCSE subject, to choose Art as an official subject at the end of Grade 8.
In Grade 8, students are introduced to the basic elements and principles of art and are exposed to basic art
terminology. They do a number of different craft-based projects, some of which include: Paper Mache,
photomontages, T-shirt designs etc. The syllabus contains both practical and theoretical work, which is
examined twice a year.
In Grade 9, students are exposed to a number of drawing and painting techniques in preparation for IGCSE
Art. They do an extensive drawing programme and work with a variety of painting and drawing mediums. Their
work is mainly practical-based, which allows them to experiment freely, be exposed to different art styles and
later branch into individual thematic projects in Grade 10.
Grades 10, 11 and 12
We run two, practical Cambridge Art Courses: the International General Certificate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE) and the Advanced Subsidiary Level Course (AS).
In Grade 10 students start the IGCSE course. Once the IGCSE examinations have been written in June of
their Grade 11 year, the students start their AS level course which continues into Grade 12.
Ideally the IGCSE course should take place over 2 years. We aim to start IGCSE course earlier in Gr 9 in
2011.
Both courses seek to develop a number of creative and interpretative skills.
Both courses consist of 2 components: a Coursework Portfolio and a Controlled Test.
GRADE 10 / 11 (IGCSE)
1. COURSEWORK
2. CONTROLLED TEST
GRADE 11 / 12 (AS)
PORTFOLIO: 4 x A2 sheets
(8 sides) + final piece
MARK
WEIGHTING: 50%
PORTFOLIO:
LENGTH:
DURATION:
TIME:
MARK WEIGHTING:
LENGTH:
15 hours
DURATION:
3 days
TIME:
Nov (Gr 12)
MARK WEIGHTING: 60%
8 hours
2 days
June (Gr 11)
50%
MARK:
WEIGHTING:
4 x A1 sheets
(8 sides) + final piece
40%
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
DESCRIPTION OF PAPERS
Grades 10 and 11
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
Certain changes have been made to the syllabus this year. In the past, students did a variety of individual
projects (derived from past papers) and prepared for two final exams (one Observational and one Interpretative
exam). These were marked solely by Cambridge. No internal assessments were required, other than
predicted examination grades. However, the examiners decided to merge both papers and decrease the
examination time by 2 hours from June 2010, schools are now required to do two of the following options.
OPTION A
OPTION B
OPTION C
OPTION D
OPTION E
Paper 1 and 2
Paper 1 and 3
Paper 1 and 4
Paper 2 and 3
Paper 2 and 4
Paper 1:
Paper 2:
Paper 3:
Paper 4:
We follow Option C as it is an excellent introduction into AS art.
Observational / Interpretative Exam
Design Exam
Critical and Historical Assignment
Coursework
(Please see page 3 for more information)
The IGCSE art course is designed as a two year course and is ideally examined at the age of 16. It is strongly
recommended not to do it in a shorter period of time, as students need time to fully develop their artistic skills
and processes.
Ideally the First Year should be devoted to experimentation and developing the students’ individual style. They
are exposed to a number of different techniques and artistic styles and are encouraged to work in a variety of
mediums. They are then given various short thematic projects which stimulate thought process and idea
development. Once they have found their medium of choice and have developed their own individual style,
they then start producing a number of small works revolving around their theme of choice.
Other than implementing the styles and techniques learnt in the first year, the students’ main focus is to
develop a body of work around a theme of choice. Therefore, the Second Year is a crucial year as the students
in addition to their Coursework Portfolio, prepare for an 8 hour final exam – both of which carry equal
weighting.
A General Overview of Option C:
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COURSEWORK:
This syllabus has been designed to allow candidates to develop and produce personal responses that reflect a
broad range of related activities, areas and approaches to their subject.
Students create a portfolio of works revolving around a theme of choice and executed in any one of the
following areas:
-
Painting and Related Media
Printmaking
Sculpture
Photography
Design
Due to our limited space and facilities, we only offer Painting and Related Media. We hope to broaden this
choice in the future.
Students may work in a number of mediums of their choice. These mediums can be used on their own or be
combined in a mixed media collage if they wish. Students may also choose to work in a purely black and white
medium (e.g. drawing), but their final works must contain an element of colour.
-
Acrylic or oil paints
Water-colour
Pen and wash
Coloured inks
Gouache
Oil or chalk pastels
Charcoal
Pencils or coloured pencils.
The final coursework portfolio must consist of one final piece plus a supporting portfolio of work leading up to
the final piece. Students are required to submit three to four A2 sheets (back to back) of supporting work.
Students are expected to develop a number of supporting artworks, showing evidence of visual knowledge
coupled with critical and cultural awareness. However, the quality of the work is more important than the
amount of work: weaker work submitted will have a detrimental effect on the total mark awarded. Therefore,
greater emphasis is placed on the development of ideas and the use of processes rather than the final
coursework project itself.
The following areas are assessed. Each tallying 20% of the mark:
-
Gathering, recording, research & investigation
Exploration and development of ideas
Organisation and relationships of visual forms
Selection & control of materials, media & processes
Personal vision and presentation
(This will be dealt with in more detail under the Assessment Section on page 8)
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CONTROLLED TEST
The controlled test or examination is solely practical-based and is marked by Cambridge.
The question papers are given to the students as soon as they are received (in February for the June session
or in July for the October session).
The questions allow students to respond in an observational or interpretative manner or a combination of both.
Students always get at least one question from the following four categories:
-
Natural and man-made objects
Still life
Interiors and Exteriors
Human Figure
The remaining 5 topics are broader and more abstract. Some past examples are:
-
A colourful celebration
Twisted and knotted
Concealed
Inside outside
Although students are allowed to respond in whatever way they wish, Cambridge stipulates that first-hand
studies from primary sources be used as the starting point for the preparatory work.
The preparatory work (which must fill at least one to two A2 pages (4 sides) is prepared at least a month
beforehand. It serves as reference for the final, examination piece and is taken into the examination venue. It
is then submitted for assessment along with the examination work completed in the eight-hour examination
period.
This portfolio is assessed using the same rubric as the coursework and counts half the student’s marks.
. .
Grade 11 and 12
Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS)
The AS course is similar to the IGCSE course. Students are required to take Components 1 and 2 from the
options below. They have the opportunity to continue with components 3 and 4 at an Advanced level the
following year, if they so wish. In the future we hope to offer a full A level Art Course.
Please see the table below for more information on Components 1 and 2:
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COURSEWORK
The AS coursework portfolio is very similar to the previous IGCSE portfolio.
Students submit a final coursework piece plus four A1 sheets of supporting work (8 sides)
The coursework is carried out throughout the year and counts 40% of the final mark.
This component is marked by the art teacher and is moderated by Cambridge.
The supporting work must be selective and show the research, recording, development and critical
evaluation undertaken during the course. It should also be individual, skillfully-proficient and presented in way
that successfully concludes the practical work undertaken during the year.
Each student is expected to:
-
Create an individual, informed and personal exploration within a chosen area
Experiment with ideas, concepts, materials, techniques and processes
Show an understanding of the cultural and historical contexts which inform the work
Document and evaluate ideas and develop these into a cohesive outcome.
The following skills and processes are assessed. Each tallying 25% of the final mark:
-
Personal Qualities
Manipulative, Artistic and Analytical Skills
Aesthetic Qualities
Knowledge and Critical Understanding
(e.g. originality of theme)
(e.g. direct observation / technique)
(e.g. using the formal elements of art in a highly skilled way)
(e.g. making critical judgments about their work)
(This is covered in more detail under the Assessment Section on the following page
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CONTROLLED TEST
Like the IGCSE Controlled Test, this component is concerned with developing the candidate's response to
visual stimuli and encourages the process of direct observation from primary sources, recording, analysis and
two-dimensional development.
This is an externally set assignment marked by Cambridge. The controlled test usually takes place in
November over three, separate days (15 hours in total).
The supporting work (up to two A1 sheets back to back) is thoroughly prepared several weeks beforehand.
The student may respond in any medium or technique and must choose one question from the following areas:
-
Still life
Natural and man-made objects
Interiors and exteriors
World culture
Symbolic phrases or other reflective material
While students may seek initial guidance regarding the question and appropriate choice of materials, they
should work independently thereafter.
Once again, the same coursework rubric is used. Please see the following page for more information.

ASSESSMENT
PASS REQUIREMENTS:
Junior: Grades 7 – 9
All junior grades have to pass both the mid-year and end-year practical and theoretical exam papers.
A final mark of 40% is required. In addition, those Grade 9 students who wish to choose Art as a subject will
do an additional entrance test. This could take the form of a still life drawing / a series of small projects etc.
Senior: Grades 10 - 12
In order to pass either the IGCSE or AS level course, students must achieve at least an E overall for both their
coursework portfolio and their external exam. However, while Cambridge’s pass mark is an E symbol,
students should aim to obtain at least a C to obtain a Matric Endorsement. Please see my Grade descriptors
on the next page for more information.
The individual Assessment Objectives for both courses are described in detail on the next page.
The same rubric is used for both Coursework and Examinations pieces
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Here are the minimum marks for each symbol:
IGCSE:
AS:
The threshold (minimum mark) for a B symbol is set halfway between those for Grades A and C.
Similarly, the minimum mark for a D symbol is set halfway between those for Grades C and E.
An E is a bare pass. An F is a fail.
GRADE DESCRIPTIONS:
Grade A (80-100 marks)
The candidate has demonstrated expertise in:
• expressing quality of form, line, shape and structure skillfully and with sensitivity;
• understanding clearly space and spatial relationships;
• showing mastery of techniques and materials;
• understanding surface qualities and the use of colour and tone;
• investigating original and secondary sources;
• demonstrating a well-informed aesthetic judgement
• providing elegant solutions.
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Grade B (70-79 marks)
The candidate has demonstrated proficiency in:
• expressing quality of form, line, shape and structure, with some sensitivity;
• understanding space and spatial relationships;
• showing a pleasing use of techniques and materials;
• understanding surface qualities and the use of colour and tone;
• communicating a sensitive and individual personal response;
• investigating in some depth original and secondary sources;
• providing well thought out solutions.
• demonstrating an informed aesthetic judgement;
Grade C (60-69 marks)
The candidate has demonstrated some competence in:
• expressing form, line, shape and structure;
• understanding space and spatial relationships;
• showing some grasp of techniques and materials;
• understanding surface qualities and the use of colour and tone;
• communicating a personal response;
• making use of secondary sources;
• providing satisfactory solutions.
• demonstrating aesthetic judgement;
Grade D (50-59 marks)
The candidate has demonstrated basic awareness in:
• understanding of space, colour and tone;
• communicating a response;
• consulting secondary sources;
• providing a solution.
• demonstrating some aesthetic judgement;
Grade E (40 - 49 marks)
The candidate has shown:
• a limited use of colour and some form
• a basic response;
• minimal use of secondary sources;
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IGCSE ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES:
To pass this course all students must meet the following Assessment Objectives:
AO1 GATHERING, RECORDING, RESEARCH & INVESTIGATION
(a) Investigate and research a variety of appropriate sources
(b) Record and analyse information from direct observation and personal experience
AO2 EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS
(a) Explore range of visual and/or other ideas by manipulating images
(b) Show a development of ideas through appropriate processes
AO3
ORGANISATION AND RELATIONSHIPS OF VISUAL FORMS
(a) Organise and manipulate visual and/or other forms effectively to express ideas
(b) Make informed aesthetic judgements
AO4 SELECTION & CONTROL OF MATERIALS, MEDIA & PROCESSES
(a) Show exploration and experimentation with appropriate materials
(b) Select and control appropriate media and processes
AO5
PERSONAL VISION AND PRESENTATION
(a) Personal vision and commitment through an interpretative/creative response
(b) Present informed response through personal evaluation, reflection & critical thinking
IGCSE MARK BREAKDOWN
Students must score at least 8 marks for each category to pass IGCSE level art.
SYMBOL
MAXIMUM
MARK POSSIBLE
MARK BRACKET
DESCRIPTION
11
A*
20
18 - 20
Outstanding / Highly
accomplished
A
20
16 – 17
Excellent / Expertise
B
20
14 – 15
Proficient / V.Good
B
20
12 – 13
Good / Competent
C
20
10 – 11
Satisfactory / Some competance
C
20
8–9
Adequate / Basic
D
20
6–7
Some awareness / Inadaquate
D
20
4–5
Limited / Poor
E
20
1–3
Minimal / Barely discernable
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AS LEVEL ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
To pass this course all students must meet all five Assessment Objectives:
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CONTROLLED TEST CRITERIA:
These Assessment Objectives are intended as a guide only. All work is marked by Cambridge.
COURSEWORK CRITERIA:
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AS MARK BREAKDOWN
Students must score at least 10 marks for each category to pass AS level art.
SYMBOL
MAXIMUM
MARK POSSIBLE
MARK BRACKET
DESCRIPTION
A*
25
23 – 25
Outstanding / Highly
accomplished
A
25
20 – 22
Excellent / Expertise
B+
25
18 – 19
Proficient / V.Good
B-
25
16 – 17
Good / Competent
C+
25
14 – 15
Satisfactory / Some competance
C-
25
11 – 13
Adequate / Basic
D+
25
8 – 10
Some awareness / Inadaquate
D-
25
5–7
Limited / Poor
E
25
0–4
Minimal / Barely discernable
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
TEACHING POLICY
Art lessons should be enjoyable, creative environment where students are given the opportunity to express
their creativity.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
The teacher is expected to perform the following duties at all times:
Professional duties:
-
Be knowledgeable and skillfully proficient and well educated in the art field
Be accredited to moderate work that is sent to Cambridge
Be professional and fully prepared for lessons
Have a clear understanding of the course objectives and other material
Expose students to a variety of exciting mediums, techniques and artistic movements
Advise, guide and stimulate students to maintain a high standard of output
Encourage student self-evaluation and inner growth
Administrative duties:
-
Take register every lesson
Be available for art clinics and individual consultations after school
Be in constant contact with parents (file notes / emails etc)
Set appropriate student tasks with a suitable time frame
Be consistent and fair when marking student work
Return marked work punctually
Display artworks when possible
Meet regularly with other members of the department
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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is an excellent course for any art-orientated student considering studying Art or Design at a Tertiary level.
However, this is not an easy subject. It requires a great deal of time and effort to be successful.
Students are expected to do the following responsibilities:
Theoretical responsibilities:
-
Identify and research a particular aspect of Art and Design
Carry out relevant exploration of materials, media and appropriate processes
Document and evaluate ideas and concepts against aims and objectives
Develop these initial concepts into a cohesive outcome.
Academic responsibilities:
-
Bring all materials / art work / reference to class at all times
Apply what is learnt in class (e.g. theory / techniques) to each art work
Stick to the due dates: Late or unfinished work will result in a 10% deduction per day
Hand in a progress drawing every Monday (unless specified otherwise)
Attend Art Clinics religiously (preferably at least one a week)
Take work home most Fridays and work during weekends (and holidays if the need arises)
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