VA
Visual & Performing Arts
Express your creativity through drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, and printmaking. Develop a professional portfolio in this studio-based programme, preparing you for careers in graphic design, advertising, fine art, animation, fashion design, and creative industries, with progression to tertiary art and design programmes.
Programme Overview
The Visual Arts programme is a three-year senior high school curriculum designed to develop creative expression, artistic skills, and appreciation for visual culture. Offered under the WASSCE framework, this programme encompasses drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, graphic design, art history, and design theory. It prepares students for careers in fine arts, graphic design, advertising, cultural heritage, film and animation, and progression to tertiary studies in visual arts and creative disciplines.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Develop technical proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking
- Foster creative expression and artistic imagination
- Build understanding of art history, cultures, and artistic movements
- Provide foundational knowledge in design principles and visual communication
- Prepare students for WASSCE examination success
- Cultivate appreciation for African, Ghanaian, and world art traditions
- Equip students with practical skills for creative industries employment
- Enable progression to tertiary-level studies in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and Creative disciplines
- Develop critical thinking through visual analysis and artistic interpretation
Practical Learning Components
The programme integrates extensive practical experience through:
- Studio practice in drawing, painting, and sculpture
- Life drawing sessions and figure studies
- Color mixing and painting technique experiments
- Clay modeling and sculpture carving projects
- Printmaking workshops (screen printing, relief printing, lithography)
- Graphic design projects using both traditional and digital tools
- Photography projects and darkroom or digital processing
- Textile art and batik design practicals
- Art installation and exhibition design
- Portfolio development for tertiary applications
- Art exhibitions and gallery presentations
- Visits to museums, galleries, cultural centers, and artist studios
- Internships with designers, advertising agencies, and cultural organizations
- Community public art projects
- Collaboration with other departments on visual productions
- Artist talks and critiques with visiting professionals
- Digital tools training (Adobe Creative Suite, design software)
- Exhibition curation and arts management practicals
Career Pathways and Opportunities
Immediate Post-Secondary:
- Graphic Designer
- Fine Artist or Painter
- Illustrator
- Art Technician or Studio Assistant
- Advertising Designer
- Web Designer or Digital Content Creator
- Craft Artist or Artisan
- Museum or Gallery Technician
- Sign Maker or Display Designer
- Freelance Creative Services Provider
Tertiary Education Routes:
- Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or Painting
- Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or Visual Communication
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or Textile Design
- Bachelor's degree in Digital Arts or Multimedia Design
- Tertiary diplomas in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or Advertising
- Teacher training programmes in Visual Arts
- Film, Animation, or Motion Graphics programmes
- Curatorial Studies or Museum Management programmes
Professional Sectors:
- Advertising and marketing agencies
- Graphic design studios and consultancies
- Film, animation, and digital media production companies
- Museums, galleries, and cultural institutions
- Publishing and media houses
- Fashion and textile industries
- Architectural and interior design firms
- Web and digital design agencies
- Government cultural and heritage departments
- Educational institutions (teaching and curriculum development)
- Self-employment in fine arts and craft production
- Event management and exhibition design
- Government communication and public information services
Entry Requirements
- Completion of Junior High School (JHS) with satisfactory performance
- Strong interest in visual arts and creative expression
- Demonstrable drawing or artistic ability (portfolio assessment may be required)
- Good observation and analytical skills
- Physical ability for studio work in various media
Assessment and Certification
Students sit for WASSCE examinations at the end of the three-year programme in their chosen subjects. Assessment includes practical portfolio work (approximately 60%), practical examinations, and written theory examinations. The portfolio is a critical component showcasing the student's artistic development and technical skills. WASSCE passes in Visual Arts subjects provide direct entry into creative industries and support progression to tertiary fine arts, design, and media programmes.
Core subjects
- English Language
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- General Science
- Physical Education (Core) - Not externally examinable
Subject combinations
Option 1
- Art & Design Foundation (Mandatory)
- Art & Design Studio (Mandatory)
- Economics
- Business Management
- ICT
Option 2
- Art & Design Foundation (Mandatory)
- Art & Design Studio (Mandatory)
- Physical Education & Health
- Music
- Computing