Art Design
Art Design
CURRICULUM
ISBN: 978-9970-675-34-0
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FOREWORD
The Ministry of Education and Sports, through the National Curriculum Development Centre
(NCDC), aligned the Advanced Level Curriculum with the competency-based Lower Secondary
Curriculum (LSC) to ensure a smooth learner transition from lower secondary to advanced level.
The two-year aligned Advanced Level Curriculum adopted learner-centered approaches,
inquiry-based, and discovery methods. The learning outcomes give the learner hands-on
experiences in real-life situations while being cognizant of different learner abilities and learning
styles. The syllabus focuses on assessment for learning with emphasis on criterion-referenced
assessment. It further provides learners with the opportunity to enhance the 21st-century skills
and values that were acquired at the lower secondary level.
The Art and Design Syllabus is one of the 29 Advanced Level syllabi. It is designed to prepare
learners for skills and career development for livelihood and to enable them to make a positive
contribution to the development of Uganda, and the world at large. It aims to equip the learner
with a deeper understanding of the content, and investigative skills of visual design in greater
depth and breadth, in addition to new concepts and perceptions in Art and Design. It promotes
higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) such as inquiry, creativity and innovation, decision-making,
and critical thinking. The broad aim is to facilitate learner decision-making and problem-solving
of everyday socio-economic challenges.
As the Minister responsible for the provision of education, I, endorse this syllabus as the official
document for teaching and learning Art and Design at the Advanced Level of secondary
education in Uganda.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) is indebted to the Government of
Uganda for financing the alignment of the Advanced Level Curriculum to Lower Secondary
Education in Uganda.
Our gratitude goes to the Ministry of Education and Sports for overseeing the adaptation of the
curriculum, the Curriculum Task Force of the Ministry of Education and Sports for the oversight
role and making timely decisions whenever necessary, and members of the public who made
helpful contributions towards shaping this curriculum.
NCDC is also grateful to Members of Parliament, schools, universities, and other tertiary
institutions, the writing panels, and professional bodies, for their input in the design and
development of the Adapted A level curriculum. To all those who worked behind the scenes to
finalise the adaptation process of this teaching syllabus, your efforts are invaluable.
NCDC takes responsibility for any shortcomings that might be identified in this publication and
welcomes suggestions for effectively addressing the inadequacies. Such comments and
suggestions may be communicated to NCDC through P. O Box 7002, Kampala, or Email:
[email protected] or on the Website: www.ncdc.go.ug
Dr Grace K. Baguma
Director
National Curriculum Development Centre
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Advanced Secondary Curriculum has been aligned with the Lower Secondary competency-
based model for ease of progression of learners from the Lower to Advanced Secondary Level.
The alignment is a result of the analysis of the Advanced Level Curriculum published in 2013, to
determine whether the content is:
i) appropriate.
ii) high-pitched or overloaded.
iii) covered at lower secondary.
iv) obsolete.
v) repeated in different topics and redundant.
The results from the curriculum analysis revealed that there were overlaps of concepts with
what was covered at the Lower Secondary, as well as concepts within different topics of the
same subject. In addition, a number of syllabuses had content that is no longer necessary for
today’s contemporary society and the 21st century.
This Art and Design syllabus is part of the Advanced Secondary Curriculum. The teacher is
encouraged to read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme, since many
topics have been merged, upgraded, or removed. While aligning this syllabus, efforts were made
to ensure a smooth progression of concepts from the Lower Secondary Level, adapting topics
and content with familiar features that are of value to the learner and society. In addition, the
process of developing this syllabus document removed what was considered obsolete, high
pitched as well as content overlaps and overloads.
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prepare them for lifelong learning. These skills equip learners with the ability to adapt to change
and navigate life’s challenges in the 21st century.
The key generic skills include:
Communication
i) Listening attentively and with comprehension
ii) Talk
iii) Reading accurately and fluently
iv) Writing and presenting information coherently
v) Using a range of media to communicate ideas
Mathematical Computation
i) Using numbers and measurements accurately
ii) Interpreting and interrogating mathematical data
iii) Using mathematics to justify and support decisions
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1.6 Values
The curriculum is based on a clear set of values. These values underpin the whole curriculum and
the work of schools. Learners need to base themselves on these values as citizens of Uganda.
These values are derived from Uganda’s National Ethical Values Policy (2013). They are:
i) Respect for humanity and the environment
ii) Honesty, upholding and defending the truth at all times
iii) Justice and fairness in dealing with others
iv) Hard work for self-reliance
v) Integrity; moral uprightness and sound character
vi) Creativity and innovation
vii) Social responsibility
viii) Social harmony
ix) National unity
x) National consciousness and patriotism
These are not taught directly in lessons, nor are they assessed by pen and paper. However, they
are incorporated into some learning outcomes and are developed as learners progress.
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1.8 Projects
Projects and project-based learning are part and parcel of learning in the 21st century. In Art
and Design, the learner will be required to undertake two projects in the course of study, one
in Senior Five and the second in Senior Six. This project will promote academic research and
the development of both the creative and analytical processes based on a theme or subject
of the learner’s choice. Teachers are encouraged to guide learners to engage in projects that
can easily be linked to what is happening in their local environment. Innovating and creating
artworks will give the learner an opportunity to engage in personal research under the
guidance of the teacher, through which they can think, communicate and apply artistic ideas
and messages, using the elements and principles of art and design, to solve a societal problem.
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iii) impart and promote a sense of self-discipline, ethical and spiritual values, personal
and collective responsibility and initiative.
iv) enable individuals to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of the
emerging needs of society and the economy.
v) provide up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge in theoretical and practical
aspects of innovative production, modern management methods in the field of
commerce and industry, and their application in the context of the socio-economic
development of Uganda.
vi) enable individuals to develop the basic scientific, technological, technical, agricultural
and commercial skills required for self-employment.
vii) enable individuals to develop personal skills of problem-solving, information
gathering and interpretation, independent reading and writing, self-improvement
through learning, and the development of social, physical and leadership skills such
as are obtained through games, sports, societies and clubs.
viii) lay the foundation for further education.
ix) enable the individual to apply the acquired skills in solving problems of the
community, and to develop a strong sense of constructive and beneficial belonging
to that community.
x) instil positive attitudes towards productive work and strong respect for the dignity of
labour and those who engage in productive labour activities.
xi) develop a positive attitude towards learning as a lifelong process.
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iv) understand and examine the functions and values of cultures, and express
themselves creatively through art and design practices.
v) explore types of knowledge and skills acquired in art and design and their values to
cultures, and the variety of career opportunities available in various areas of study.
vi) nurture their creativity, imagination and confidence, which are critically
indispensable in most of the subjects in the curriculum and occupations.
vii) develop important disciplinary and cross-curricular competencies for living in an
interconnected world.
These aims provide an overview of the expected learning outcomes in each area of study.
The areas are often interwoven, enabling learners to make connections between the
different aspects of Art and Design as a subject. Assessment criteria will be based on two
components of Art Making (Practical) and History of Art and Appreciation (Theory) using two
assessment objectives. (Refer to Assessment section, page 56.)
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Discovery learning: Learners construct their own knowledge through active participation,
exploration and inquiry, which encourages them to critically think, ask questions and
hypothesise through research.
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The learning activities and assessment strategies in the syllabus are “suggested” and “samples”,
respectively, and not exhaustive. The teacher is encouraged to develop more learning activities
and assessment strategies that are based on the learning outcomes. In addition, the teacher is
free to customise the suggested learning activities to make them suitable for their respective
learning environments and for learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
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THEME: 3 CRAFTS B II
TOPIC 3.1: POTTERY DURATION: 38 Periods
Competency: The learner creates functional earthenware by adapting various forming
methods to serve different purposes.
Learning Outcomes Suggested Learning Activities Sample Assessment Strategies
The learner should be
able to:
a) demonstrate a) In groups or individually, a) Observe the learner’s
understanding of the learners research about clay, contribution in a group
materials, processes the different types of discussion with regard to:
and other key earthenware, pinch, coil, slab, i) teamwork
concepts associated throwing and casting forming ii) self-regulation and
with various forming methods. confidence.
methods. (k, s, u, gs) b) Learners explore iii) respect for self, others and
b) create pottery in clay opportunities in the the environment
using various community related to pottery iv) explanations about the
forming methods and document the research material and technique
(pinch, coil, slabs, findings. used.
throwing and c) Individually, learners: b) Assess:
casting). (k, u, s, v/a) i) generate ideas from their i) individual write-ups
findings and develop regarding authenticity
sketches for producing and correctness of ideas.
pottery through a creative ii) the quality and
process. originality of the
ii) use various methods to sketches with regard to
produce pottery. the ideation process.
iii) complete the pottery. (e.g. iii) the quality of the
drying, decorating, firing, forming methods.
glazing). iv) finishing and
functionality.
c) Converse with learners to
establish health and safety
precautions.
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THEME 3: CRAFTS B II
TOPIC 3.2: FIGURATIVE SCULPTURE IN THE ROUND
DURATION: 38 Periods
Competency: The learner creates figurative sculptures in the round, using various materials,
tools and/or emerging technologies for self-expression, economic purposes and a variety of
adaptive innovations.
Learning Outcomes Suggested Learning Activities Sample Assessment Strategies
The learner should be
able to:
a) generate plans for a) Individually or collaboratively, a) Observe the learner’s ability to
sculpture artworks learners search and discuss a communicate their findings
inspired by nature. (k, variety of sculptures from with peers and suggest possible
s. u) different sources and solutions to a given task.
b) create sculptures locations. b) i) Check for availability of
using available b) Individually, the learner: individual thumbnail sketches
materials, tools, i) generates plans and and notes for ways to solve a
techniques and notes for a figurative problem.
technologies, to sculpture (different ii)Assess the learner’s artworks
serve the intended views). with regard to:
purpose/audience. ii) experiments with • creativity.
(u, s, v) different materials and • organisation of elements
tools to create and principles.
maquettes for the plans. • use of materials
iii) Presents the maquette (technique).
and plans to peers for • expression of ideas.
discussion, reflection • finishing.
and proposal for c) Converse with learners to
adjustments. establish health and safety
iv) creates a refined precautions.
maquette based on self-
critique and peer
critique.
v) create(s) the final
sculpture using suitable
materials and tools,
and/or available
technologies.
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THEME 3: CRAFTS B II
TOPIC 3.3: FIBRE ARTS DURATION: 38 Periods
Competency: The learner creates fibre crafts using different techniques and processes to serve
various purposes.
Learning Outcomes Suggested Learning Sample Assessment
Activities Strategies
The learner should be able to:
a) analyse the purpose, a) Using project-based a) i) Assess learners’ notes
materials, tools, methods, learning, learners: generated from their
processes and techniques i) collaboratively conduct research to check for
for weaving and basketry. research about woven consistency, correctness
(k, u, v) artworks in traditional and documentation.
b) create fibre artworks and contemporary ii) Observe the learner’s
using available materials, society with regard to contribution in group
tools and techniques to materials, tools and discussion with regard to:
serve different purposes. techniques, processes • teamwork.
(u, s, v) and make a write-up. • self-regulation and
ii) discuss their findings confidence.
describing the aspects • respect for self, others
of design/patterns, and the environment.
function, materials and b) Assess the quality of the
techniques, and finished article in terms of
document the key technique used, neatness
aspects. and consistency in the
b) Individually or in groups, finishing and functionality.
learners: c) Converse with learners to
i) identify a weaving establish health and safety
related societal problem, precautions.
plan and prepare the
required materials and
tools (soliciting various
ideas for weaving).
ii) use an appropriate
technique to create a
woven article to serve a
purpose.
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THEME 3: CRAFTS B II
TOPIC 3.4: TWO-DIMENSIONAL CRAFTS DURATION: 38 Periods
Competency: The learner produces design concepts using available materials, tools and
technologies to decorate different surfaces for various purposes.
Learning Outcomes Suggested Learning Sample Assessment
The learner should be able to: Activities Strategies
a) demonstrate understanding a) In small groups or a) Assess learners’
of the process of concept individually, learners use documentation to check
development based on inquiry learning method to for the designs, patterns of
cultural inspirations in search for information and traditional and
respect to traditional beliefs. discuss the traditional and
contemporary textile and
(k, u, s, v) contemporary methods,
b) demonstrate understanding significance of textile and leather decorations.
of the influence of leather designing (either b) Observe group discussions
artmaking to the economy using field trip or case study) with regard to:
and careers related to the and document the findings. i) teamwork.
visual arts. (k, u, v) b) Individually, the learner ii) self-regulation and
c) demonstrate understanding develops plans and sketches confidence.
of the legal, ethical, health based on cultural iii) respect for self, others
and safety, practices in the inspirations, to suit a specific and the environment.
production of crafts. (k, u, v, textile (e.g. screen printing, c) Converse with learners to
a) batik, patchwork, applique,
defend their thinking on
tie-and -dye) and leather
decoration techniques (e.g.
the choice of plans
stamping, embossing, regarding the suitability
dyeing, painting etc) and relevance of the
conforming to the elements patterns created.
and principles of design, for a d) Assess the learner’s textile
given purpose. and leather designs with
c) Learners: regard to:
i) make trials on a small i) the quality, technique,
scale (e.g. 12 cm by 12 colour choice and
cm for textile) for a given
registration of the trials.
technique using suitable
materials and tools ii) neatness and
based on the market consistency.
demands.
ii) discuss the trials to filter e) Observe and converse with
the ideas and select a learners to establish their
suitable one to serve as understanding of legal and
the basis of their ethical standards, health
artwork. and safety, practices art
iii) revise the plan based on production practices.
peer assessment and
f) Assess the learner’s folder
show attention to detail.
d) Learners opt for a project in
with regard to.
either textile or leather • sketching.
design and decorations while • finished work, labelled
considering the legal, ethical, and dated.
health and safety practices.
e) Learners develop a folder for
the design process.
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THEME 3: CRAFTS B II
TOPIC 3.5: TWO-DIMENSIONAL AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL CRAFTS
DURATION: 48 Periods
Competency: The learner creates craft products based on a chosen theme using suitable
materials and technologies to serve different purposes.
Learning Outcomes Suggested Learning Activities Sample Assessment
The learner should be Strategies
able to:
a) demonstrate a) Using projects or project-based a) Assess the learners’ project
understanding of learning, the learners: following:
the process of i) follow a production process of i) themes, planning,
creating a 2D or 3D art making (themes, planning, experimenting and
experimenting, revising) and revising the plans.
craft in respect to
depict cultural influences for ii) the learner’s trials
cultural heritage. (k, the ideation process. based on growth and
u, s, v) ii) explore and experiment with a development of the
b) evaluate the variety of materials, tools and idea.
contribution of art technologies to create trial iii) the final product with
to the Ugandan motifs or maquettes, templates regard to; use of
economy and how for leather articles (create, materials, elements and
economic interpret, explore, develop and principles of art,
considerations communicate ideas). technique used,
influence iii) produce the final product by production process,
choosing the best option to functionality and
artmaking. (k, u, s, v)
develop and focus on a finishing.
c) apply the health successful idea. iv) the information on
and safety, legal iv) identify on the basis of production of artwork
and ethical issues exploration, opportunities in in form of analysis with
to art production. the society related to visual arts regard to opportunities
(k, u, v, a) and the cost of production. in relation to careers of
b) The learner: art.
i) demonstrates safe practices v) meeting the demands
associated with use of materials, of the expected
tools and technologies solution
(precautionary measures for
handling hazardous materials). b) Ensure that learners observe
ii) exercises social, civic and health, safety and legal
environmental responsibility in precautions.
using technologies and the
environment to produce
artworks.
iii) appreciates the legal and ethical
issues associated with the
production of artworks
(Copyright and ownership
issues).
c) Learners present their finished
articles to an audience (exhibition).
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THEME 3: CRAFTS B II
TOPIC 3.6: PORTFOLIO MAKING AND ART EXHIBITION
DURATION: 06 Periods
Competency: The learner presents artworks in a portfolio showing the production process for
assessment and public viewing.
Learning Suggested Learning Activities Sample Assessment
Outcomes Strategies
The learner should
be able to:
a) create a portfolio a) Individually, learners document the a) Assess learner’s
with visual arts as creative process in a portfolio by: presentation of a portfolio
evidence of work i) compiling personal artworks with regard to:
and achievement (trials and the final works). i) the portfolio cover
over a specified ii) selecting the main artworks design.
period of time. (k, done as classroom tasks. ii) selection and
u, s) iii) arranging the artworks in order arrangement of
b) present and of production and development suitable artworks (with
exhibit the (e.g. research ideas, notes, final accompanying notes
artworks to an work, journals, photographs) and sketches).
audience. (k, u, s, that reflect all that was iii) the glossary.
v, a) experienced and learnt. iv) the reference.
iv) alphabetically compiling a b) If the e/digital portfolio is
glossary of technical words met used, assess the learner’s
throughout the DURATION of ability to use the available
work. technologies to achieve the
v) listing references at the end of above components.
the portfolio. (This is a list of the c. Assess the presentation styles
sources from which the research of the learner’s work regarding:
and information was taken for • trimming.
the portfolio.) • mounting.
vi) writing a statement of what was • labelling.
intended and how it was done • polishing.
throughout the period of • framing.
learning. (This should appear • creating pedestals.
first to guide the viewer of the
portfolio.)
vii) creating a cover design
reflecting and revealing what is
expected in the portfolio.
viii) presenting the finished portfolio
to an audience.
• Where possible, learners present the
e/digital portfolio
b) Individually, the learner prepares and
presents the finished own 2D and 3D
artworks for display (trimming,
mounting, labelling, polishing,
framing, creating pedestals).
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3.0 ASSESSMENT
3.0 ASSESSMENT
3.1 Assessing Art and Design
This Advanced Secondary Curriculum sets new expectations for learning, with a shift from
Objectives to Learning Outcomes that focus mainly on the application of knowledge and
deeper learning that leads to the acquisition of skills. These Learning Outcomes require a
different approach to assessment. The “Learning Outcomes” in the syllabi are set out in terms of
Knowledge, Understanding, Skills, Values and Attitudes. This is what is referred to by the letters
k, u, s v & a.
It is not possible to assess values and attitudes in the same way as knowledge, understanding,
and skills because they are more personal and variable, and are long-term aspirations. This does
not mean that values and attitudes are not important or cannot be assessed. They too can be
assessed but not easily done through tests and examinations. Values and attitudes can be
assessed over a period of time through observing and having interactions with the learner.
To assess knowledge and its application, understanding, and skills, we need to look for different
things. Knowledge can be assessed to some extent through written tests, but the assessment
of skills, application of what is learnt, and deeper understanding requires different approaches.
Because of this, the role of the teacher in assessment becomes much more important. This
section focuses on knowledge, understanding, and skills.
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Observation
Triangulation
Product Conversation
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3.6 Examinations
There will be only one school-based summative assessment at the end of each academic year.
Examinations or tests will not be set at the beginning and end of every term. Instead, a summing
up of ongoing teacher assessments made in the context of learning through activities and work
in a portfolio will be required. The learners will also be subjected to the end-of-cycle assessment
for certification. Details on the end-of-cycle assessment are provided in the assessment
guidelines document.
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CONTACT US:
National Curriculum Development Centre
Plot M838, Kyambogo.
P.O.Box 7002 Kampala, Uganda
+256-393-112-088
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