Visual Arts

In order to acquire and develop skills needed for the creation of art and to meet relevant assessment criteria, students use a combination of techniques in a variety of media.

Drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and textiles are all utilized, in order that knowledge and understanding of a range of observational, creative and interpretative works is nurtured.

The inquiry cycle is an integral part of the course. The continuous process of investigating, planning, creating and evaluating is constantly recorded in a developmental workbook.

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Specific objectives

LOWER SECONDARY

• Demonstrate the ability to design, using simple forms and shapes.

• Express ideas of a theme in a coherent way, whether visually or verbally.

• Relate to the work of others – peers, local and internationally renowned artists.

• Understand spatial relationships in both two and three dimensional work.

• Explore tactile qualities of a subject and communicate these in an appropriate medium.

• Handle tone and colour in a controlled manner, for maximum impact on the viewer.

• Reveal personal qualities and preferences when responding to a task.

• Show increased awareness of the characteristics and possibilities of various media.

• Understand the processes of various techniques.

• Balance a design neatly, acknowledging the importance of simple imagery.

UPPER SECONDARY

• Attempt more adventurous perspective problems.

• Explore the potential of mixed media images.

• Develop computer aided design and technology links.

• Enhance vocabulary to aid discussion and evaluation.

• Improve the quality of work following evaluation.

• Understand the need for a more personal approach to communication.

• Comprehend the impact of texture on the viewer.

• Use a wide range of media and techniques to realize ideas and feelings.

• Develop drawing skills in a variety of media.

• Demonstrate an increasing visual awareness from observation and with imagination.

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IGCSE Art and Design – 0400

Aims

The Cambridge IGSCE Art and Design course encourages personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation, analytical ability and practical attitudes. It leads to greater understanding of the role of the visual arts in the history of civilizations and widens cultural horizons to enrich the individual.

It combines a breadth and depth of study in order to accommodate a wide range of abilities and individual resources. It is especially concerned with the development of visual perception and is a form of communication; a means of expressing ideas and feelings.

Designed as a two year course for examination at age 16 plus, it encourages students to develop:

• an ability to record from direct observation and personal experience;

• an ability to identify and solve problems in visual and/or other forms;

• creativity, visual awareness, critical and cultural understanding;

• an imaginative, creative and personal response;

• confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of achievement in the practice of Art and Design;

• growing independence in the refinement and development of ideas and personal outcomes;

• engagement and experimentation with a range of media, materials and techniques, including new media where appropriate;

• experience of working in relevant frameworks and exploration of manipulative skills necessary to form, compose and communicate in two and/or three dimensions;

• knowledge of a working vocabulary relevant to the subject plus an interest in, and a critical awareness of, other practitioners, environments and cultures;

• investigative, analytical, experimental, interpretative, practical, technical and expressive skills which aid effective and independent learning.

(Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design – Syllabus code 0400)