Art
Explore Art at 'A' Level, where you can build your artistic voice through portfolio work, critical thinking, and art discourse at H1, H2, and H3 levels.
Aims
Art at 'A' Level offers students a comprehensive curriculum, balancing art making and art discourse. It is a unique and liberating experience where students can literally "do whatever they want to actualise their vision".
The syllabus aims to develop in each student: an inquiring mind and the confidence to express artistic intent through visual language, visual literacy and critical thinking skills, an active imagination and a spirit of experimentation and adaptation to discover creative possibilities artistic agency and capacity for reflective and collaborative practice; and an understanding of and readiness to embrace diverse perspectives in art from a range of local and global contexts.
Approach
Our curriculum is customised to the interests and abilities of each student, and aims to stretch their potential through embracing inquisition, independent research, and guided risk taking!
At H1 level, students develop professional art critique skills through the Art discourse module, analyzing and evaluating artworks in various cultural and historical contexts.
At H2 level, students are empowered to develop their artistic practise and identity through building an art portfolio. We expose learners to a wide range of mediums and techniques through studio practice and master classes, and embark on learning journeys to experience art in the real world. Graduates showcase their body of work through SONDER, an annual exhibition at our very own art gallery.
H3 Art extends from the H2 Art syllabus by laying a foundation for those seeking academic engagement in Art at the tertiary level. It offers intellectual challenge and rigour as it expects students to think independently and develop critical inquiry. It takes the form of a taught element and a Research Essay on a topic of the students’ choice.
Head to our microsite (opens in new tab) to find out more!
Programme
H1 Art (8879):
Paper 1: Art Discourse [100%]
Section A: Visual Analysis (20 marks): An unseen visual stimulus- One compulsory question with two sub-parts for visual analysis
Section B: Comparative Study (30 marks): A pair of unseen visual stimuli for each question. Two questions (with 3 subparts each) will be set for this section.
Section C: Discursive Essay (30 marks): Two essay questions will be set from the six topics covered (see syllabus documents below). Candidates are to reference artists and artworks of their choice.
H2 Art (9375):
Paper 1: Art Discourse [40%]
Paper 2: Portfolio [60%]:
Selection of visual materials: Max. 20 screens illustrating artistic exploration and processes, which includes at least 3 art forms and media.
Commentary: Articulation of personal artistic inquiry based on max. 7 works within 1500 words.
H3 Art (9818)
Paper 1: Research Essay [100%]
Conduct an individual investigation in an area of artistic interest and submit a Research Essay of 3000 to 3500 words.
The Research Essay should commence in November of the first academic year and be ready for submission to Cambridge by September of the second academic year.
Syllabus
The syllabus documents for For Year of Examination 2026 onward may be found at the following links:
H1 Art (opens in new tab) (8879)
H2 Art (opens in new tab) (9357)
H3 Art (opens in new tab) (9818)
Requirements
H1 Art: no prerequisites
H2 Art: indicative minimum B4 grade in GCE ‘‘O’ Level Art OR pass in Art proficiency test