Chesterhouse International School
Integrated syllabus for
Grade 8
ART

BASIC OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
This is a practical and theoretically based course designed to stimulate personal enrichment and enjoyment
through artistic exploration and conceptual thinking. Pupils are expected to develop their style throughout the
course, as well as learn and implement certain skills and processes.
Candidates should be encouraged to work from direct observation and to explore the use of tone, colour and
composition, materials and context. This can be shown through the use of processes and use of media such
as charcoal, pencil, pastels, acrylic, water colour, oil and inks.

COURSE OUTLINE
In the past, all Grade 8 pupils were forced to take Art, regardless of talent or interest. However, from this year
onwards, pupils now have the option of choosing Art. They choose two out of the three Humanities subjects.
ART
DRAMA
GENERAL MUSIC KNOWLEDGE (GMK)
The syllabus, which contains both Theory and Practical work, allows pupils to experiment freely, be exposed to
different art movements and discover their own painting style. The syllabus is specifically designed to give
pupils a solid grounding so that they can continue with Art as an IGCSE subject in Grade 9, should they wish to
do so.
After having learnt the basic theory in Grade 7, pupils are expected to apply the Elements and Principles of Art
in a number of practical projects. They also do a number of drawing and painting lessons. They are exposed
to different artists and practise painting in their styles. They become proficient in a variety of mediums and
techniques and start to work with individual themes of their own choice in preparation for the IGCSE course.
Their work is mainly practical-based, which allows them to experiment freely and later branch into individual
thematic projects in Grade 9, should they continue on at IGCSE level.

SYLLABUS AIMS
This course ensures that pupils:
-
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

SYLLABUS OBJECTIVES
Students are marked according to Cambridge’s IGCSE Assessment Objectives. These Assessment
Objectives are divided into 5 main areas:
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

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
PASS REQUIREMENTS:
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 pupils who wish to choose Art as an IGCSE subject will do
an additional entrance test. This could take the form of a still life drawing / a painting etc. Pupils who score
below a C aggregate are advised not to continue with this subject, as it is an intensive course and requires a
great deal of talent and effort to succeed.
Students are marked according to Cambridge’s IGCSE Assessment Objectives. These are described above.
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;
• providing elegant solutions.
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.
Grade C (60-69 marks)
The candidate has demonstrated some competence in:
• expressing form, line, shape, colour and tone;
• understanding space and spatial relationships;
• showing some grasp of techniques and materials;
• making use of secondary sources;
• communicating a response and providing satisfactory solutions.
Grade D (50-59 marks)
The candidate has demonstrated basic awareness in:
• understanding of space, colour and tone;
• communicating a response;
• consulting some secondary sources;
• providing a solution.
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;
Please find the Grade 8 and 9 Year Plans on the next page
AN EXAMPLE OF A GRADE 8 ART YEAR PLAN
TERM
DESCRIPTION & FOCUS AREAS
ELEMENTS AND DRAWING SKILLS *
1
OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES



Theory: worksheets for each
element with detailed additional
drawing notes

Practical: Exercises pertaining
to each element
Doing a detailed drawing course



Experimenting with a range of material and
techniques. (AO2)
Researching primary and secondary sources and
preliminary sketching (AO1)
Identify and solve problems in visual and tactile form.
(AO3)
Drawing from direct observation (AO1)
Visually illustrate and make use of the elements in a
piece of work.(AO3 / AO4)
Refining right brain drawing
skills
Mixed media drawing combining
elements
2
COLOUR THEORY AND PAINTING
SKILLS





Theory: worksheets on colour
and painting techniques


Practical: Various colour and
painting exercises
Preparing for a 5 hour still life
Experimenting with a range of media, techniques and
processes. (AO2)
Understand and make use of technical terms in
practical and theory. (AO3)
Identifying and making use of the elements in an art
work. (AO3)
Painting from direct observation (AO1)
Developing ideas from initial attempts to final
solutions (AO4)
practical exam
3
ARTIST THEORY AND COPYING *
STYLES



Theory: Learning about artists’
styles and techniques.
Researching 5 artists in depth
Distinguishing between themes,
content, elements and style.




Understand and make use of technical terms in
practical and theory.(AO3)
Developing a unique and personal style and
manipulating sources (AO2/ AO5)
Being informed by various artists and being culturally
aware (AO5)
Have an understanding of & appreciation for
international / SA artists. (AO1)


Practical: Copying a master’s
work, adding an individual twist


.


4
THEMATIC PROJECTS

(IGCSE INTRO)






Practical: Choosing an ‘IGCSE’
theme for the term
Building up a visual diary
Begin working on individual
themed paintings / drawings
Putting the techniques learnt
earlier in the year into practice.



Explore a range of visual ideas by manipulating
images. (AO2)
Understand and make use of technical terms in
practical and theory. (AO3)
Develop an imaginative, creative and personal
response to a stimulus. (AO5)
Analyse and interpret an artwork.(AO3)
Responding to artworks positively and critically (AO5)
Developing a unique and personal style and
manipulating sources (AO2/ AO5)
Continually developing new concepts and thought
processes (AO5)
Experiment with a range of material and techniques.
(AO2)
Show personal vision and commitment through an
interpretative and creative response (AO5)
Refining painting and drawing skills and solving
aesthetic problems
(AO2 / AO3 / AO4)
Developing an informed, creative and personal
response to a stimulus and translating those ideas
into a successful, final solution (ALL OUTCOMES)