Curriculum and Syllabus
Explore the A-Level Art curriculum at Jurong Pioneer Junior College, offering both H1 and H2 programmes that build artistic understanding across Art Discourse and Portfolio components.
The A-Level Art syllabuses, illustrated by the A-Level Art Syllabus Framework (image below), seeks to develop deep disciplinary understanding towards a sense of artistic agency at its core. To achieve this, the learner must develop the interconnected domains of ‘perception’ and ‘production’ that occur by situating each learner within an artistic practice which considers and responds to multiple contexts. Consequently, learning not only occurs within and for the artistic self, but also extends beyond to involve and reflect other individuals, societies, and cultures.
A-Level Art Syllabus Framework
At JPJC, we offer both H1 and H2 Art at the ‘A’ levels. Here is the difference between the H1 and H2 programs.
Table 2: Difference between H1 and H2
H2 Art | H1 Art |
Art Discourse (40%) | Art Discourse (100%) |
Portfolio (60%) |
Art Discourse (For H1 and H2 Art)
Art Discourse evaluates the candidate’s ability to engage in the appraisal of art’s meanings and its ability to reflect and shape society and culture. Candidates are expected to be able to engage with the visual characteristics of artworks and to conduct formal analysis. They should be able to form interpretations regarding artists’ intent, evaluate and comment on artworks in an informed and critical manner. Candidates are required to be sensitive to the ways art is made, encountered, and discussed in response to personal, social, and cultural issues and real-world needs. They should demonstrate an informed understanding of the six topics and their key concepts in the syllabus content:.
Representation in Art
Abstraction in Art
Materials in Art
Technology in Art
People in Art
Art in Society
Through responses to visual stimuli and essay questions, candidates demonstrate their abilities to use appropriate visual language, critically analyse artworks, issues, themes, or problems significant to Art practices. Candidates should note that all visual stimuli referred to in the question paper will be unseen and candidates must be prepared to apply their skills of visual literacy in their analysis and response. Candidates can draw links with their direct experience or environment to form personal opinions about the artworks or selected artists.
Portfolio (For H2 Art Only)
Portfolio will require candidates to form and develop their sense of identity, culture and place in society. Candidates will demonstrate critical and inventive thinking as they engage with ambiguity, consider multiple perspectives, imagine and envision as part of their art journey. The portfolio will demand candidates to actively engage in processes such as observing and investigating subject matter; innovating through expressive forms; experimenting with a range of digital and non-digital materials/ media, technologies, tools and techniques; exploring aesthetic principles and conceptual strategies towards resolving their artworks; documenting artworks and processes; discussing others and their own work, showcasing artworks; and reflecting critically on their artistic practice.
The Portfolio should present candidates the opportunity to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills to express themselves visually and communicate artistic intent through art making and in written form. Their selection of visual materials and commentary will be evidence of their art learning. The critical connections demonstrate their disciplinary understanding and a sense of agency.
For more information about GCE ‘A’ Level examination syllabuses, refer to: