New CAPS Subjects: Art and Design

You can choose to study Art and Design when you are in Grade 8 and 9. This subject will equip you with the skills and knowledge of being an artist of note

Art and Design is one of the thirteen (13) new Elective Occupational Subjects that were introduced to the CAPS curriculum. This was announced recently by the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga. These are the subjects that were introduced to students in Grade 8:

What Is Art And Design?

The main purpose of the subject is to develop learners as creative and imaginative individuals who appreciate the arts. This subject equips students with the skills and knowledge to participate in arts activities and prepare them for possible further study. It is a creative problem-solving process that includes the study of both design practice and design theory.

Why Should I Choose To Study Art And Design?

Besides adding value to life by creating products that have a purpose, here are other reasons why you should consider choosing Art and Design:

  • Equips you with crucial life skills such as: 
    • Visual literacy
    • Critical and creative thinking
    • Self-discipline
    • Leadership
  • Encourages learners to be resourceful and entrepreneurial
  • Art and Design will equip you with the knowledge and understanding of a variety of art materials, techniques and work processes
  • The subject lays a foundation for a possible career in the craft production environment 
  • You will be able to design, make and market a craft product

How Do The New Subjects Fit In The Current System?

In Grade 8, a maximum of two subjects can be selected from the list of thirteen (13) Elective Occupational subjects. These will replace any of the following two subjects

  • Technology
  • Creative Arts and/or Economics 
  • Management Sciences

What Topics Will Be Covered?

Art and Design has the following modules:

  • Literacy
  • Create in 2-D
  • Create in 3-D

What Will I Learn?

Here is what you will learn in the following modules:

  • Literacy
  • Create in 2-D
  • Create in 3-D

Literacy

Here is what you will learn in this module:

  • Exploration of various African and international sculptors using media and techniques (ice, food, metal, tyres, plastic) 
  • Analyse different media, styles and techniques  
  • Identification and analysis of art elements (shape, form, texture) and design principles (rhythm, proportion, composition, pattern)

Create in 2-D

Here is what you will learn in this module:

  • Identify, analyse and explore the sculptural techniques such as welding, melting, joining, cutting and weaving and assembly 
  • Plan the process of creating a gate/fence/door/ or other types of enclosure  
  • Use shading techniques to indicate different textures for different surfaces of 3-D artworks
  • Select materials appropriate for given designs  
  • Consider the environment when selecting art materials  
  • Gather sufficient materials for art production 
  • Follow housekeeping and safety procedures in the context of design/craft production 
  • Take the characteristics of the materials into account when selecting for specific design/craft production  
  • Select appropriate tools and equipment for the given designs  
  • Consider the  environment during the selection of tools and equipment

Create in 3-D

Here is what you will learn in this module:

  • Create a 3-dimensional model of a gate/fence/door or other types of enclosure 
  • Keep in mind the blending quality of such an item, as this will affect reception by your audience or consumers
  • Identify your own and other cultures
  • Explore markets and the concepts of different manufacturers
  • Develop entrepreneurial awareness of how to market art products in terms of the target market, advertising means and exporting  
  • Develop skills through using materials to create craft products  
  • Consider the environment during the preparation of the materials for craft production 
  • Create appropriate craft products from given materials 
  • Keep to housekeeping and safety procedures in the context of craft production 
  • Interpret teacher-guided design specifications to create a design/craft product
  • Produce design/craft product with minimal defects, produce design/craft product within the required timeline

How Will Students Be Assessed?

A formal assessment will provide you with a measure of your progress. The formal School-Based Assessment (SBA) will consist of 60% of the final mark, while the final examination will consist of 40%. The School-Based Assessment will include the following: 

  • Tests
  • Examinations
  • Practical tasks
  • Projects
  • Oral presentations
  • Demonstrations
  • Performances

What Are My Career Choices In Art and Design?

The beauty of Art and Design is that they can lead to professional careers. Here are some of your career choices: 

  • Studio Artist 
      • Sketch Artist
      • Set Designer 
      • Art Director 
      • Art Critic 
      • Art Educator
      • Illustrator 
      • Art Appraiser 
      • Art Dealer 
      • Exhibit Design 
      • Gallery Assistant 
      • Cartoonist 
      • Art Curator 
      • Art Collections Management 
      • Art Conservation 
      • Art Preservation 
      • Art Restoration 
      • Art Archive Management 
      • Sculptor 
      • Fibre Artist 
      • Painter 
      • Art Publisher 
      • Art Therapist 
      • Art Advocate 
      • Art Historian 
      • Art Librarian
  • 2-D Artist
      • Caricaturist 
      • Court Artist 
      • Sketch Artist 
      • Commercial Artist 
      • Storyboard Artist 
      • Medical Illustrator 
      • Layout Designer 
      • Print Maker 
      • Illustrator 
      • Painter
  • 3-D Artist
      • Architect 
      • Model Maker 
      • Urban Planner 
      • Landscape Architect 
      • Interior Designer 
      • Set Designer 
      • Silversmith 
      • Metal Smith 
      • Ceramist 
      • Sculptor 
      • Artisan 
      • Drafter
  • Photo and Film
    • Film Editor 
    • TV Director 
    • Cinematographer 
    • Photo Journalist 
    • Fashion Photographer 
    • Police Photographer 
    • Aerial Photographer 
    • Photographic Retouched 
    • Camera Operator 
    • Lighting Specialist 
    • Commercial Photographer 
    • Documentary Film Maker 
    • Media Production Specialist 
    • Food Photographer 
    • Events Photographer 
    • Science Photographer

Is Art and Design A Good Career?

Yes, Art and design is a good subject. Here are some of the reasons that make art a good subject:  

  • Express yourself artistically –  An artistic career can give opportunities to express yourself artistically. The career also keeps you in company with other people who appreciate art. 
  • Artistic jobs are not typical 8 hours jobs – Being an artist gives you the privilege of working at your preferred times. You can also practice your craft when inspiration strikes or upon a customer’s request.
  • Exposure to a variety of platforms – Unlike in the past, an Art and Design career is not just limited to painting and drawing. Technological advancements are offering great exposure for artists in various platforms such as advertising, graphic design, marketing, desktop publishing, and video game development.

Potential for high earnings – Unlike other career roles, there is no limit to the money you can earn through your artistic skill. There is high potential for high earnings if you have a unique skill, and you have the ability to market yourself well.

What Would I Study If I Like Drawing?

If you like drawing, and you are still in school, you can choose to study Art and Design when you are in Grade 8. You can choose a maximum of two Elective Occupational Subjects.

What Are The Seven Different Forms Of Art?

Here are the seven (7) different forms of art:

  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Literature
  • Architecture
  • Cinema
  • Music
  • Theatre

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor : Sive Ncanywa
Date : July 05 , 2022