High School (FET) Subject Learners – Grades 10, 11 and 12
The PCAC offers both Visual Arts and Design subjects in accordance with the WCED FET curriculum to about 200 learners drawn from over 50 schools in Cape Town. These classes, taught by specialist teachers, take place in the afternoons after the regular school day and all high school learners have access to our superb resource centre. The PCAC has a reputation for excellence in all the practical subjects on offer, as proven by our consistently high Grade 12 results over the years.
Add-Visual Art / Add-Design – Grades 10, 11 and 12
This course is offered to learners who are already studying Visual Art or Design at school. Learners may choose ONE practical option of our Visual Art or Design subjects. Learners may choose to do the theory component of the subject at PCAC or at their school. The practical projects completed at the PCAC will be returned to the learner at the end of each year for inclusion into his/her school Visual Art or Design portfolio.
VISUAL ARTS
Painting and Mixed Media
Includes but is not limited to:
- Painting and drawing on 2D and 3D surfaces, as well as interactive art works
- Mixed Media: painting, drawing, collage, fabric painting
- Basic drawing as a preparatory process
- Conceptual thinking and visual problem-solving
Darkroom Photography & Digital Photography
Includes but is not limited to:
- Creative black and white photography, hand processing and printing in the darkroom
- Emphasis on camera and printing technique, planning and presentation
- Introduction to digital photography and image editing
- Conceptual thinking and observational skills
Drawing
Includes but is not limited to:
- The creation of art works that develop technical skill and conceptual abilities
- The exploration of a variety of drawing media – both wet and dry
- Drawing using observational, illustrative and imaginative skills
- Mixed media and printmaking as part of the drawing process
Visual Culture Studies
(Compulsory for all Visual Arts Options)
Includes but is not limited to:
- The study of South African and Global Art forms, both past and present
- The development of writing, analytical, research and critical thinking skills
DESIGN
Product Design
Includes but is not limited to:
- Solving 3D conceptual and technical problems through the use of clay and other materials
- Exploration of various clays, glazing and firing techniques
- Craft and entrepreneurship – preparing learners for further study in design
- Looking at the relationship between people and objects, as well as personal and public spaces
Communication Design
Includes but is not limited to:
- Typography: type layout and composition
- Illustration: drawing, colour work and image sourcing
- Packaging and advertising
- Conceptual thinking: problem-solving, stylisation and word-image association
Surface Design
Includes but is not limited to:
- The creation of decorative surfaces through the experimentation with colour, shape, composition, repeat pattern and form applied to paper and textiles.
- The creation of interior and fashion textiles
- Developing entrepreneurial skills
Design in Context (Compulsory for all Design Options)
Includes but is not limited to:
- The study of South African and Global Design forms, both past and present
- The development of writing, analytical, research and critical thinking skills