ICSE Class 10 Art Syllabus 2024-25: Download Syllabus PDF

PART 1: EXTERNAL EXAMINATION

There will be four papers, candidates will be required to offer any two papers: 
Paper 1: (3 hours) Drawing and/or Painting from Still Life - 100 Marks 
Paper 2: (3 hours) Drawing and/or Painting from Nature - 100 Marks 
Paper 3: (3 hours) Original Imaginative Composition in Colour - 100 Marks 
Paper 4: (3 hours) Applied Art - 100 Marks

PAPER 1 (3 hours) Drawing and/or Painting from Still Life
A group of objects which will be artificial or natural and may include such things as cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, a growing plant, as well as domestic or other artificial objects: the group may be drawn or painted. The work can be carried out, if the candidate wishes, in relation to the surroundings or the part of the room in which the group is placed. If the group is painted, the background must be included. 

PAPER 2 (3 hours) Drawing and/or Painting from Nature
This paper is divided into two separate sections. Candidates may offer either A or B. In both sections, the subject may be interpreted freely, either in a decorative or in a realistic manner. 
A. Study of the structure of natural forms: such as a spray or branch, which may include flowers, foliage or fruit, fossils, bones, etc. Candidates are expected to reveal their appreciation of natural growth or structure by means of drawing or painting. 
B. A subject will be set for drawing or painting out of doors. There should be evidence of a direct study from nature. 

PAPER 3 (3 hours) Original Imaginative Composition in Colour
A paper containing a list of alternative subjects will be given to candidates one week before the examination. The actual composition will be executed in the examination room after a period of not less than 7 days from the distribution of the paper to the candidates; sketches or other notes must not be taken into the examination room. Since this is a test of original work, it would be inappropriate for any form of guidance to be given to candidates other than that printed on the question paper. A variety of themes will be set; these may be given in the form of titles indicating the subject or of specified subjects for inclusion in composition, or in any other form that will stimulate the imagination. Candidates should base their work, if possible, on scenes which they have themselves observed. Any style or technique including that which is traditional in the candidate’s own area may be used.

PAPER 4 (3 hours) Applied Art
Candidates will be required to answer any one question. The object of this paper is to test the ability of candidates in a craftwork where the material is restricted to flat paper, ink and/or colour. Questions will be set requiring the design and execution of the following:  
the page of a book, book cover, or endpaper;  
a notice or pictorial poster;  
a card such as a Christmas card or invitation card, or emblem;  
a patterned paper for a specific purpose. 
Several but not all of these alternative subjects will be set, and candidates will be required to select any one of them. There will be an opportunity to make full use of the calligrapher's art withdrawn and painted, pen-made or brush-written lettering.

PART 2: (To be assessed internally by the School - 100 marks).

Practical Work in Art
(A) Course Work
(1) Candidates will be required to practice sketching, painting, drawing, etc., in preparation for the examination. They will also undertake practical work on any of the topics suggested below. The practical work of the candidates will be assessed by the teacher as coursework. The teacher is free to assess the course work either on the basis of continuous assessment or on the basis of periodical tests.
(2) Suggested topics for practical work:
(i) Pottery work.
(ii) Sculpture; any medium.
(iii) Carving in any available material: e.g.
wood, plaster, stone.
(iv) Panel or relief in clay or plaster.
(v) Block-printing, batik, tie and dye, etc., on
any material.
(vi) Printing from original wood or lino block.
(vii) Creative Photography.
(viii) Cartoon and portrait drawing.
(ix) Animation.

(B) Finished Work
In addition to the course work the candidates will have to submit four pieces of finished Artwork for assessment by the External Examiner. The topics on which these pieces of Artwork may be based can be taken from the syllabus or from any of the topics listed in (A) (2) above or from any other aspect of Art.

(C) Assessment
The teacher and the External Examiner will assess the Artwork of the candidates on an impression by placing the work of the candidates in groups, giving the following aspects due consideration:  
Imaginative expression.  
Quality of pattern, line and materials.  
Skill in the use of tools and materials.  
Use of colour. 
Other aspects may also be considered depending on the nature of the practical work. 

(D) Award of Marks
Subject Teacher (Internal Examiner) 50 marks 
External Examiner 50 marks 
The total marks obtained out of 100 are to be sent to the Council by the Head of the school. 
The Head of the school will be responsible for the online entry of marks on the Council’s CAREERS portal by the due date.