Art and Design

9479| AS/A-Level

Overview

Cambridge International AS/A Level Art & Design provides opportunities for learners to develop their personal practice, enrich their understanding of key concepts and improve their practical skills in a wide range of traditional and contemporary techniques. It allows learners to explore and build on their interests. The course encourages independent expression and the development of a critical, reflective practice.

Cambridge International AS/A Level Art & Design encourages students to explore a range of processes and techniques appropriate to their chosen area of study. The course encourages personal responses that are based on knowledge and understanding and skills in art, craft and design.

Course Content

The course is practical or studio based, so that students develop their abilities of observation and analysis of the visual world, sensitivity, skill, personal expression and imagination. Students will learn how to relate their skills to an enhanced knowledge of their own cultures, past and present, as well as an appreciation of practical design problems.

Cambridge International AS/A Level Art & Design encourages learners to explore a range of processes and techniques appropriate to their chosen area of study. The syllabus encourages personal responses that are based on knowledge and understanding and skills in art, craft and design. The four areas of study are listed below:

Fine art

Candidates may focus on one or combine several of the following:

• painting

• drawing

• sculpture

• photography

• print making

• mixed media

• experimental – assemblage/construction.

Graphic communication

Candidates may focus on one or combine several of the following:

• illustration

• print making

• packaging design

• branding

• advertising

• signage

• typography.

Three-dimensional design

Candidates may focus on one or combine several of the following:

• sculpture, ceramics

• product design

• interior and exterior architecture

• interior design

• environmental design

• set design

• jewellery and fashion accessories.

Textiles and fashion

Candidates may focus on one or combine several of the following:

• fashion design and/or illustration

• costume design

• constructed textiles

• screen printing

• batik

• digital-printed textiles

• surface pattern.

Assessment

Component 1: Coursework

Candidates research, develop and realise a project from one area of study in the syllabus content.

Portfolio and final outcome:

  • Portfolio is 5 × A2 sheets (both sides)

  • Final outcome is up to A2 size

This is marked by Cambridge International. It is worth 25% of the final qualification.


Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

Candidates choose one starting point to develop into a personal response.

Portfolio and final outcome:

  • Portfolio is 3 × A2 sheets (both sides)

  • Final outcome is up to A2 size

This is marked by Cambridge International. It is worth 25% of the final qualification.


Component 3: Personal Investigation

Candidates investigate a theme, idea, concept or process that is personal to them.

Practical work & Written Analysis

  • Portfolio is 8 × A2 sheets (both sides)

  • Written analysis (1000-1500 words)

  • The practical work and written analysis must form an integrated submission.

This is marked by Cambridge International. It is worth 50% of the final qualification

Progression

Cambridge International AS/A Level Art & Design directly supports progression to further and higher education, and provides students with a rich platform to inspire a lifelong interest in art and design. Equally it is suitable as part of a course of general education.

Any career path, which has visual communication at its heart, will benefit from a course of study in Art and Design. Working in the Visual Creative Industries is a dynamic and wide ranging career choice with many exciting opportunities available. These range from Fine Arts in many media including Painting, Film and Video, Interactive Media, Sculpture and Performance to Craft and Design including Graphic Design, Advertising, Fashion, Three Dimensional Design, Architecture and Spatial Design, Games Design and Film, Television and photography.