ECZ · GCE Exam Companion
GCE Art and Design
Theory and practical references cover observation, imaginative colour composition, design, craft and cultural knowledge, revised here through original written practice.
The papers
Paper 1
Theory, with an earlier still-life format
The 2016 reference is a 50-mark still-life drawing or painting task lasting two hours thirty minutes. The 2017 and 2023 references are 50-mark theory papers lasting one hour thirty minutes: short answers and a choice of longer responses, with a compulsory picture study added in 2023.
Paper 2
Observation and practical alternatives
The references allow two hours thirty minutes for one 50-mark practical task on A3 paper. The 2016 options focus on close observation and outdoor studies, while 2017 also offers a living figure, imaginative composition and design; practice here uses written planning and technique questions.
Paper 4
Imaginative composition in colour
Candidates choose a subject and create an original colour composition on A3 paper in three hours for 50 marks. These revision questions assess the planning, colour choices and compositional decisions behind such work rather than requiring a finished picture.
Topics
How often each topic came up across the 7 GCE papers from 2016 to 2023 that we studied. Start with the topics that come up most.
- 1. Drawing and Observation FreeIn 5 of 7 papers
- 2. Colour and Painting MediaIn 7 of 7 papers
- 3. Composition and Design PrinciplesIn 6 of 7 papers
- 4. Graphic Design and Visual CommunicationIn 3 of 7 papers
- 5. Printmaking and Image AssemblyIn 2 of 7 papers
- 6. Textiles and Fabric DecorationIn 2 of 7 papers
- 7. Sculpture and CeramicsIn 2 of 7 papers
- 8. Art History and Zambian Art and CraftIn 2 of 7 papers
- 9. Planning Digital Practice and EnterpriseIn 2 of 7 papers
Bright Minds practice questions in the GCE style, not official ECZ examination questions.