IGCSE Art & Design (9-1) (0989) Tutors

IGCSE Art & Design (9–1) (0989) is the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education qualification in visual arts. It develops skills in drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. A real‑life example: designing a mural for a school corridor helps build portfolio work.

Also known as Cambridge IGCSE Fine Art, IGCSE Visual Arts or simply IGCSE Art, this course pops up under slightly different titles but follows the same 0989 syllabus.

Major topics include observational drawing, color theory and painting techniques, photography, printmaking, ceramics and textiles, mixed media and digital art. Students might experiment with acrylics for portraiture, use lino prints to explore pattern, or work in clay to sculpt small figures. Coursework emphasizes both personal sketchbooks and finished pieces, encouraging creative research, experimentation and technical mastery.

IGCSE Art & Design launched in 1988 and got its first syllabus in 1990. A big update in 2011 modernised digital media, followed by the 2016 9–1 grading change that aligned it with UK GCSEs. The current syllabus (0989) rolled out in 2019, introducing clearer assessment objectives and a 10‑hour practical exam. Each candidate submits a coursework portfolio (60%) plus a timed exam project (40%). These revisions reflect shifts in contemporary art practice and tech, keeping the course fresh and relevant.

Do you want to learn IGCSE Art & Design (9‑1) (0989)? At MEB, we offer one‑on‑one online tutoring just for you. Our tutors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with your homework, projects, essays, lab reports, tests and more. We like to chat on WhatsApp, but if you don’t use it, you can email us at meb@myengineeringbuddy.com.

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IGCSE Art & Design (9–1) is special because it lets you explore ideas and make art in many ways. You use sketchbooks, photos, and materials like paint, clay, or digital tools. You can follow your own creative path and show your style. The course combines practical work with simple theory so you learn both making things and understanding design.

Compared to other subjects, Art & Design brings clear advantages and some downsides. It helps you think in pictures, solve problems with fresh ideas and build a strong portfolio for higher study or jobs. It can be slow and needs extra materials, so it may feel hard to catch up. Marks also depend on personal style, which can feel less certain than tests with right answers.

Students often move on from IGCSE Art & Design to AS/A Level Art & Design, IB Visual Arts or foundation courses in art and design. These prepare them for university degree programmes such as BA Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration or Architecture.

The career scope covers a range of creative industries, including advertising, publishing, multimedia and digital marketing. As businesses expand their online presence, skilled visual communicators are in demand at studios, agencies, tech firms and start‑ups.

Popular job roles include graphic designer, web designer, illustrator, animator and concept artist. Day‑to‑day work involves sketching ideas, using software like Adobe Creative Cloud, meeting with clients or art directors, refining drafts and producing final visuals for print or screen.

We study and prepare for IGCSE Art & Design to strengthen creativity, observation and problem‑solving skills. Test preparation helps students understand assessment criteria, develop a strong personal style and gain confidence. These abilities are useful in many creative and design‑based careers.

Start by downloading the official Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design (9‑1) (0989) syllabus and familiarise yourself with its objectives and assessment criteria. Gather basic art supplies—sketchbook, pencils, paints and mixed media—and set up a workspace. Break the course into sections: drawing skills, research and development, experimentation and your final piece. Practice daily sketches, research artists’ work, keep notes on materials and techniques, and build a strong, organised portfolio of ideas and studies.

IGCSE Art & Design isn’t “hard” if you stay organised and practice regularly. It tests your creativity, observation and ability to develop ideas, so it takes dedication rather than rote memorisation. If you follow the syllabus, work on your skills steadily and get regular feedback, you can achieve good marks without feeling overwhelmed.

Self‑study is possible, especially if you’re motivated and can critique your own work. However, a tutor helps you see blind spots, gives timely feedback on your portfolio development and guides you through planning stages. A tutor also keeps you on schedule, suggests new techniques and offers testing sessions that mimic the real exam environment.

Our MEB tutors specialise in Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design (9‑1) (0989) and provide personalised 1:1 sessions online. They review your sketchbook, recommend improvements, demo new media techniques and help you refine your final piece. We also offer assignment‑writing support, mock exam reviews and targeted feedback to boost your confidence and scores.

Time needed varies by skill level, but most students spend 3–6 months of consistent work—about 5–8 hours a week—building drawing skills, exploring materials, researching artists and completing practice projects. Start early, set weekly goals, and review your progress monthly to stay on track for exams or coursework deadlines.

Try YouTube channels like Proko, The Art Sherpa and Laura King for step-by-step demos. Visit Cambridge Assessment International Education’s official site and BBC Bitesize Art & Design for syllabus details and sample papers. Check ArtStation and Pinterest for portfolio ideas. Useful books include Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design Coursebook by Bradley, Drawing Essentials by Deborah Rockman and Art and Design: The Essential Guide by Marion Boddy‑Evans. These resources cover techniques, theory and exam tips to build skills and score well.

College students, parents and tutors in the USA, Canada, UK and Gulf who need a helping hand—whether online 1:1 24/7 tutoring or assignment support—our tutors at MEB can help at an affordable fee.