Art & Design (9-1) 0989

Choose your paper route

• Exams 2026–2027Component 1 Coursework · Component 2 Externally Set Assignment · 8-hour supervised outcome

  For exams 2026–2027: Coursework 50% (100 marks) and Externally Set Assignment 50% (100 marks). The assignment includes supporting studies and an 8-hour supervised final outcome. AO1–AO4 are each weighted 25% overall. Not available to private candidates. Cambridge lists 0989 in a limited number of administrative zones; in June it is available in zone 3 and for centres in Oman and the UAE. The published 2028–2030 route is June only. Confirm the year, series and centre entry with Cambridge and the exams officer.

• Exams 2028–2030Component 1 Portfolio · Component 2 Externally Set Assignment · Papers 21–25

  From 2028: Portfolio 60% (60 marks weighted to 90) and Externally Set Assignment 40% (60 marks), including an 8-hour supervised final outcome. Overall AO weightings are approximately 25% Record, 25% Explore, 29% Develop and 21% Present; Component 1 gives AO3 33% and AO4 17%, while Component 2 allocates 25% to each AO. Choose Paper 21 for a non-specialist mixed-media route, or Papers 22–25 for graphic communication, three-dimensional design, textiles/fashion or photography. Not available to private candidates. Cambridge lists 0989 in a limited number of administrative zones; in June it is available in zone 3 and for centres in Oman and the UAE. The published 2028–2030 route is June only. Confirm the year, series and centre entry with Cambridge and the exams officer.

This guide supports a school-based studio course. Cambridge IGCSE Art & Design is not available to private candidates. Confirm centre facilities, examination year, entry series and digital submission deadlines with the teacher or exams officer.

Practice the papers

• Coursework / Portfolio · 9–1 gradingComponent 1 · 8 lessons
  Record what you see, not what you assumeGather visual research and give it contextUse visual language to guide attentionExperiment before selecting a mediumConnect contextual research to your own developmentDevelop ideas through review and purposeful changePresent a resolved response that communicates your intentionBuild a portfolio that shows a creative journey

  9–1 grading. 2026–2027: Coursework 50%, 100 marks. 2028–2030: Portfolio 60%, 60 marks weighted to 90. The portfolio should show the candidate's own exploration and development; follow the current online-submission guidance.

• Externally Set AssignmentComponent 2 · 14 lessons
  Record what you see, not what you assumeGather visual research and give it contextUse visual language to guide attentionExperiment before selecting a mediumPainting and related media: build an image through material choicesGraphic communication: make image and text work for an audienceThree-dimensional design: test form, structure and useTextiles and fashion: make pattern and material communicatePhotography: use light, viewpoint and sequenceConnect contextual research to your own developmentDevelop ideas through review and purposeful changePresent a resolved response that communicates your intentionInterpret an externally set theme in your own wayUse supporting studies to prepare a timed outcome

  2026–2027: 50%, 100 marks, including supporting studies and an 8-hour supervised final outcome. 2028–2030: 40%, 60 marks; a Cambridge-set theme, supporting studies and an 8-hour supervised final outcome. The applicable paper and available series depend on the year and centre.