Excel in iGCSE Art & Design with Targeted Practice
Develop your iGCSE Art & Design skills with guidance on observational drawing, critical studies, and portfolio development.
Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications
About iGCSE Art & Design
iGCSE Art and Design encourages students to develop their creative and technical abilities across a range of art, craft and design practices. The Cambridge International syllabus covers drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, graphic design, textile design, three-dimensional work and photography, depending on the options chosen.
Assessment is based on a portfolio of coursework and an externally set examination assignment. The portfolio demonstrates the development of ideas, experimentation with media and techniques, and the refinement of outcomes, while the exam assignment tests the ability to respond to a theme within a set timeframe. This structure rewards sustained creative investigation over the duration of the course.
The iGCSE in Art and Design is valued by art schools, design courses and creative industries worldwide. It develops visual literacy, independent thinking and the ability to communicate ideas through visual means, skills that are transferable to architecture, fashion, media and many other creative fields.
Topics Covered
Exam Boards
iGCSE Art & Design is available from these exam boards
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Study Tips for Art & Design
- ✓ Keep a sketchbook with you at all times and draw regularly from observation. iGCSE Art portfolios are assessed on the quality of observational drawing and visual research.
- ✓ Experiment with multiple media and techniques in your preparatory work. Examiners want to see evidence of exploration and risk-taking, not just a final polished piece.
- ✓ Research artists and designers who inspire you and write clear annotations explaining how their work has influenced your own creative decisions.
- ✓ Document your creative process thoroughly with photographs, annotations and reflections. The development of ideas is worth as many marks as the final outcome.
Exam Tips for iGCSE Art & Design
- ✓ Start the externally set assignment early and spend significant time on preparatory studies. The quality of your preparation directly impacts the success of the final piece.
- ✓ Manage your time carefully during the exam sitting. Plan your composition before committing to the final piece and have all materials prepared in advance.
- ✓ Make your intentions clear through written annotations. Examiners cannot assess ideas that are in your head but not evidenced in your portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Useful Resources
Art & Design at other levels: GCSE Art & Design · A-Level Art & Design · International A-Level Art & Design
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