Frequently Asked Questions from Art Teachers and Students via Email & Instagram DM:
1. How many papers are there for the Art & Design IGCSE 0400 syllabus?
There are two components (papers):
i. Component 1 (Coursework)
ii. Component 2 (Externally Set Assignment - ESA)
COMPONENT 1 / COURSEWORK
2. How many supporting studies (prep work) are required for Coursework?
According to the syllabus, you should have up to 4 sheets with back-to-back studies (equivalent to 8 pages).
3. Is it possible to do fewer studies for Coursework?
If you can effectively convey the flow of your ideas from one prep to another to the Final Piece, you can proceed with a lesser number of prep work. In some cases, 8 preps + 1 Final Piece is recommended.
4. How is the topic for Coursework determined?
The teacher suggests the topic for the Coursework.
(Past year exam papers for Coursework topics, please click HERE)
5. Can students choose their own topics?
Yes, but students must discuss and obtain approval for their selected topics from the teacher.
6. Can past syllabus topics or past year's questions be used?
Yes, you can use past syllabus topics or past year's questions as a basis for your Coursework topic.
7. Is mind-mapping compulsory for Coursework?
It's advisable to do mind-mapping during your Prep 1 for Coursework to showcase your early ideas on the topic.
8. Can a smaller paper size be used for Coursework?
While the syllabus allows for flexibility in size, it's essential not to go too small, as presentation matters.
9. Are there Digital Samples or Photography examples for Coursework?
No, I don't have a full set of work of Digital and Photography.
10. What is the recommended time frame for completing Component 1 Coursework?
Plan for at least 6 to 8 months to complete Component 1 before starting Component 2 ESA. Exam-specific deadlines are also provided.
11. What is a suitable topic for "weak" students?
"Weak" students can consider topics related to fruits, vegetables, or nature.
12. Can students trace from photos?
No, tracing is not allowed.
13. How can students with weak drawing skills be helped?
They can use the grid method and focus on Design-oriented work.
14. Are there restrictions on art styles for Coursework?
Students can choose from various art styles, such as painting, Photoshop, sculpture, photography, etc. Focus on their strengths in ONE art field.
Note: No more Print-making Coursework starting 2023 exams onwards.
15. How many artist references should be included in Coursework?
It's recommended to include 2 to 3 artist references for Coursework.
16. Can students refer to Instagram artists?
Students should conduct thorough research to ensure the artist is established. Reference to local, established artists is also encouraged.
17. Should there be extensive annotation in each study?
Annotation can be concise, focusing on each study's purpose. The emphasis should be on visual evidence (90%) with some annotation (10%) for each prep.
18. Can Design-type work be submitted for Coursework?
Yes, Design-type work is acceptable.
19. What about artist references for Design Coursework?
Students can use a combination of Artist Reference or Designers Reference, depending on the type of Design (product) they create for the topic.
A complete set of Coursework (Component 1)
For your information, Prep 2 is at the back of Prep 1. Prep 3 is at the back of Prep 2. Prep 5 is at the back of Prep 4. Prep 8 is at the back of Prep 7 + 1 Final Piece.
( All are in an A2 size paper )
COMPONENT 2 / EXTERNALLY SET ASSIGNMENT (ESA)
20. When will Cambridge upload the question paper for the exams?
For the June 2024 Exam, check their website by 1st January 2024.
For the October 2024 Exam, check on 1st July 2024.
For the June 2025 Exam, check their website by 1st January 2025.
21. Where can I access the exam question paper?
Click here -> Cambridge School Support
22. Can the Design be chosen for the ESA paper?
Yes, Design is an option for the ESA paper.
23. Is having fewer than 2 sheets (back-to-back) for prep work acceptable?
While it's a personal choice, having less than 4 preps (equivalent to 2 sheets with back-to-back studies) is not encouraged. Three to four complete supporting studies are recommended.
24. Is mind-mapping necessary for ESA?
The need for mind-mapping varies. An introduction is typically enough to convey the idea/content of the topic.
25. Can students choose the same questions for ESA?
Yes, students can choose the same questions, but they should ensure they are using different subject matter/content.
26. How long is the exam for the Final Piece in ESA?
The Component 2 (ESA) Final Piece consists of two days (8 hours):
Wednesday: 4 hours
Thursday: another 4 hours
My school conducts 2 days for the Final Piece ESA exams.
Note: Component 1 (Coursework) Final Piece does not require an 8-hour exam.
27. Can students bring their prep work and refer to it during the Final Piece examination?
Yes, students should have their prep work with them during the Final Piece examination.
28. How many artist references should be attached to the ESA paper?
Typically, 1 to 2 artist references are recommended for the ESA paper.
29. Can students pre-draft the Final Piece's image before the examination and bring and use it during the test?
No, pre-drafting and bringing a pre-made image for the Final Piece examination is not allowed.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions:
30. Who is responsible for marking all the papers?
Cambridge is responsible for marking all the papers.
31. Is it necessary to submit forecast grades to Cambridge?
Yes, forecast grades must be submitted to Cambridge. Usually, the school admin/principal will inform you about the process of submitting forecast grades to Cambridge.
32. Is there an exam for the Final Piece in Component 1 (Coursework)?
No, there is no exam for the Final Piece in Component 1 (Coursework).
33. Can students get their work back after it's submitted to Cambridge?
Syllabus 2024
Yes, getting the students' work back is possible, but you'll need to email Cambridge and inquire about the associated costs.
**Syllabus 2025
No longer sending (courier) the student's work to Cambridge. The schools/exam centres have to wait for the next instruction from Cambridge. The latest information started for the year (2025), and all the work has to be scanned/taken a picture and uploaded to their website for submission.
34. Where can we find additional information about the Art & Design IGCSE 0400?
You can refer to various sources, including:
Cambridge website
Facebook group: Cambridge Art / Design AS/A 9704, 9479 & IGCSE 0400 For Educators
Studentartguide.org
Art samples on Pinterest
35. What is the best time to conduct the Final Piece examination for Component 1 (Coursework) and Component 2 (ESA) papers?
Week 1 of April for the June Exam
Week 1 of October for the October Exam
36. When is the best time to post the work to Cambridge?
Syllabus 2024
Mid-April for the June Exam
Mid-October for the October Exam
**Syllabus 2025
No longer sending (courier) the student's work to Cambridge. The schools/exam centres have to wait for the next instruction from Cambridge. The latest information started for the year (2025), and all the work has to be scanned/taken a picture and uploaded to their website for submission.
37. Do you have any samples for AS, A Level, or IGCSE?
No, the focus is currently on teaching the Art & Design IGCSE 0400 syllabus.
Additional Questions:
38. Are sketchbooks required to be submitted alongside the Coursework and ESA?
No, sketchbooks are not required to be submitted. Only the relevant work that needs to be included in the prep work (supporting studies) should be pasted onto A2 papers for submission.
39. Do predicted grades need to be provided for Component 1 and Component 2?
Only one grade needs to be submitted to Cambridge. This grade should be a forecast or prediction based on the overall quality of the students' work for both Component 1 and Component 2. For example, if a student can achieve a B after assessing their work in both components, you would submit a B to Cambridge.
ATTACHMENT FROM THE SUPPORT HUB WEBSITE. PLEASE CLICK ON THE DOCUMENT NAME.
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This extensive Q&A should serve as a valuable resource for art students and teachers seeking a better understanding of the Art & Design IGCSE 0400 syllabus. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at missfeeda@artandfeeda.net.
Before reaching out, I recommend thoroughly reviewing this Q&A and exploring the various grade samples on my blog. Additionally, please consult the guidelines provided for Component 1 (Coursework) and Component 2 (Externally Set Assignment ESA) of the Art & Design IGCSE 0400 syllabus.
Should you still need clarification after conducting this research, feel free to email me, and I'll do my utmost to assist you.
Warm regards,
Ms. Feeda
22 comments:
Thanks for always guiding us and sharing the updates. We are so lucky to have you.
You are welcome. Glad to help you. :)
Thank you for this enlightening answers. Please do you mind sharing samples of previous students artworks to guide me since I'm a first time IGCSE teacher???
Many thanks!
Thank you for this enlightening answers. Please do you mind sharing samples of previous students artworks to guide me since I'm a first time IGCSE teacher???
Many thanks!
This was very informative. Thank you so much 😊
Thank you for these useful information
Thank you so much, above information will help me to guide my students.
Thank you all. Appreciate it.
Thank you for providing this informative infor, you help alot to ease our new art teachers mind, I am listtocomplete the one who have ask from instagram, I am greatful to have see this list of questions, it's feel as if we are not alone. Thank you again.
Glad to help you 'listtocomplete' art teacher. :)
Thank you so much. This helps a lot.
With my class I'm working on paper 2 right now, the coursework has finished, but I was not aware of exam conditions, so they made it at school and at home.
Veronique
Veronique, for the Final Piece Component 1&2 the students are supposed to at the school.
Many thanks feeda...a great help n support indeed😘😘😘 💘 love
Hi there,
Thanks for your sharing! is the ESA final work in A2 as well? Thanks!
Thanks for the information. Vey helpful!
Have another question though, do we have to submit the sketchbooks alongside the coursework and EE?
Hi Miss Feeda
thanks a lot for the detailed explanation. Really appreciate your selfless guidance.
Do we have to conduct an 8 hour exam in school for component 1. Is it compulsory?
Hi Ms Feeda,
always love your posts and sharings! Thank you!
Like to ask a few questions:
Are predicated grades needed for both component 1 & 2?
If the students need special papers (eg newspaper/ watercolour papers) for Component 2, how can that be provided?
Do you do mock exam for the graduating students? Was thinking to have them dry run their Component 2 final work for prelims. Is that a good idea?
Thank you!
Thanks all
I'll edit your questions in my post.
Thanks.
Thank you for qustion and answering part
Thank you for this information, I have found it very useful and helpful indeed.
Thank you so much for your sharing.
I always read your information whenever I confused about my teaching.
Great help for the O level teachers, a strong grip on to hold. Thank you.
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