The Cambridge International AS and A Level Art & Design (9704)

The Cambridge International AS and A Level Art & Design (9704) syllabus is designed to foster creativity, personal expression, technical skills, and critical thinking in various areas of visual art. The syllabus allows students to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, from painting and sculpture to digital art and photography. It encourages students to develop their own artistic voice while gaining an understanding of the cultural, historical, and social contexts of art and design.

Key Areas of Study:

The syllabus provides a flexible structure that allows students to specialize in one or more areas of art and design. These include:

  1. Painting and Related Media

    • This area includes drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Students explore composition, color theory, form, and techniques in various traditional and experimental media.

  2. Sculpture and Three-dimensional Design

    • Students engage in three-dimensional work using materials such as clay, wood, metal, plaster, and found objects. This area focuses on spatial awareness, form, and the relationship between materials and space.

  3. Textiles and Fashion

    • In this area, students work with fabric, fibers, and mixed media to create textiles, costumes, or fashion pieces. They explore surface decoration, texture, pattern, and wearable design.

  4. Graphic Communication

    • This includes graphic design, illustration, typography, and visual communication. Students explore ways to convey ideas and messages through design and composition, often working with both digital and traditional methods.

  5. Photography, Digital, and Lens-based Media

    • Students learn techniques in photography, film, and digital media, focusing on composition, lighting, narrative, and editing. This area also involves conceptual work and experimentation with image-making.

Learning Objectives:

  • Personal Expression: Students are encouraged to develop their own creative ideas and communicate them effectively through their work.
  • Technical Proficiency: Students learn to work confidently with various materials and techniques, mastering both traditional and contemporary approaches.
  • Critical Analysis: Developing the ability to analyze and evaluate their own work and that of others in the context of art history, culture, and modern trends.
  • Visual and Cultural Literacy: Understanding the visual language of art and design and the ways in which art reflects and shapes cultural and social ideas.

Assessment Structure:

The Cambridge AS and A Level Art & Design syllabus is assessed through a combination of coursework and externally set assignments. The focus is on students’ practical work, personal investigations, and their ability to present and explain their ideas.

AS Level (Year 1):

  1. Component 1: Coursework (50%)

    • Students develop a portfolio of work based on their own research and artistic exploration. The portfolio should reflect experimentation, idea development, and refinement of skills in their chosen medium.

  2. Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (50%)

    • This is a timed practical exam where students are given a set of themes or questions to respond to. They have a preparatory period to research and develop ideas, followed by a final exam in which they complete their final artwork.

A Level (Year 2):

  1. Component 3: Personal Investigation (50%)

    • Students choose a personal theme to explore in-depth, producing both practical work and a written investigation (1000–1500 words). This component emphasizes self-directed study and research, allowing students to investigate a subject that interests them.

  2. Component 4: Externally Set Assignment (50%)

    • Similar to Component 2, but at a more advanced level. Students respond to an externally set brief, and after a period of preparation, complete a final piece during a timed examination.

Skills Developed:

  • Creative Problem Solving: The course encourages students to think creatively and approach problems in innovative ways, using artistic methods and materials.
  • Research and Analysis: Students will learn how to conduct research on artists, movements, and cultural contexts and apply this understanding to their own work.
  • Technical Mastery: Students will develop skills in a variety of media, including drawing, painting, digital art, sculpture, textiles, and photography.
  • Critical Reflection: The syllabus encourages students to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others, considering aesthetic qualities, effectiveness of communication, and the creative process.

Recommended Resources:

  • Art and Design Textbooks: Cambridge-endorsed textbooks covering techniques, theory, and historical context can help students build a strong foundation.
  • Sketchbooks: Students should keep a detailed sketchbook for brainstorming, experimentation, and documenting their creative process. It is an essential tool for portfolio development.
  • Art History and Contemporary Art Research: Studying a wide range of historical and contemporary artists, styles, and movements can inspire and inform the student's own work.
  • Digital Tools: For students exploring graphic design or photography, familiarity with design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or digital editing tools is crucial.

Tips for Success:

  1. Explore a Variety of Media: Don't limit yourself to one type of material or technique. Experimenting with different forms, such as painting, sculpture, or digital art, can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs.

  2. Document Your Process: Keep a thorough record of your ideas, experiments, and progress. Include sketches, notes, and reflections in your portfolio to show how your work develops over time.

  3. Research Artists and Movements: Understand how different artists approach their work, and draw inspiration from a variety of historical and contemporary art movements.

  4. Create a Personal Style: While experimentation is important, try to develop a consistent voice or style that reflects your personal vision.

  5. Balance Practice and Theory: While developing practical skills, don’t forget to engage critically with your work and its place within wider artistic and cultural contexts.

  6. Time Management: Since this is a practical subject, managing your time well is key. Make sure you allocate enough time for research, experimentation, and final execution of your pieces.

This syllabus provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in fine arts, graphic design, illustration, photography, fashion design, architecture, and digital media.

If you would like further assistance on a specific project or topic within the syllabus, feel free to ask!

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