Get the WAEC Visual Arts Syllabus 2025 with exam format, topics, and recommended books. Download now and start preparing to pass successfully!
WAEC Visual Arts Syllabus 2025
Are you getting ready for the WAEC exam and taking Visual Arts as one of your subjects?
If yes, it is important to study using the WAEC Visual Arts Syllabus. If you do not have the syllabus yet, you should get it soon to study in the right way.
Below, you will find the full WAEC Visual Arts Syllabus. We have also listed some recommended books to help you study better.
You can download thWAEC Visual Arts Syllabus and start preparing well for your exam.
WAEC Visual Arts Exam Structure
The WAEC Visual Arts exam has three main papers:
Paper 1: Multiple-Choice Questions
- Number of Questions: 40
- Time: 50 minutes
- Total Marks: 40
Paper 2: Essay Questions
- Sections:
- General Art
- West African Art
- Historical Art
- Number of Questions: 8 (Answer 4)
- Time: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 60
Paper 3: Practical Exam
This paper has three sections:
- Section A: Drawing
- Time: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 100
- Section B: 2D Creative Design
- Includes graphic design, textiles, and picture-making
- Time: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 100
- Section C: 3D Creative Design
- Includes sculpture, ceramics, and crafts
- Completion Time: 6 months
- Total Marks: 100
WAEC Visual Arts Syllabus 2025
Paper I & II
1. General Knowledge in Art
- Understanding different types of art and jobs in art.
- Learning about art elements like line, color, space, shape, and texture.
- Knowing the basic rules of art, such as balance, rhythm, proportion, and harmony.
- Understanding different types of perspective in art, like aerial and linear.
- Learning how to use and take care of art tools like brushes, pencils, colors, and palettes.
- Knowing important art words like tie and dye, silhouette, and relief.
- Understanding how art connects with music, dance, drama, and writing.
2. Art of West Africa
- Ancient Traditional Art – Learning about old art from different West African countries, such as Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Mali.
- Modern Traditional Art – Knowing about Oshogbo art, Kente cloth, Benin art, pottery, and basket weaving.
- Contemporary Art – Learning about art schools, museums, and famous artists in West Africa.
3. Pre-Historic, Ancient Egyptian & Western Art
- Pre-Historic Art – Understanding the early art of humans from 20,000 – 2000 BC.
- Ancient Egyptian Art – Learning about art styles and beliefs from 11,000 – 7,000 BC.
- Greek Art – Studying different Greek art periods and styles.
- Medieval Art – Understanding art styles used in the Middle Ages.
- 19th Century Art – Learning about Impressionism (artists like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh).
- Renaissance Art – Knowing about early and high Renaissance artists like Giotto and Donatello.
- 20th Century Art – Understanding Cubism, influenced by African art and artists like Pablo Picasso.
Paper III: Drawing
4. Drawing
- Drawing from Objects – Sketching things like bicycles, bottles, and car parts.
- Drawing from Nature – Sketching natural things like flowers, fruits, and insects.
- Drawing from Life – Drawing real human figures in different poses.
Part B: Creative Art (2D Art)
5. Graphics Design
- Lettering & Poster Design – Making book covers, posters, and logos.
- Book Illustration – Drawing pictures for books and newspapers.
- Printmaking – Making prints using wood, yarn, or stencils.
- Package Design – Designing wrappers, cereal boxes, and CD covers.
- Computer Graphics – Using software like CorelDraw and Photoshop.
6. Textile Design
- Fabric Design – Making batik, tie-dye, and printed cloth.
- Appliqué – Sewing fabric pieces onto another cloth.
- Tapestry – Making woven patterns for decoration.
7. Picture Making
- Painting – Creating artworks using paint.
- Photography – Taking pictures of people, nature, and objects.
- Mosaic – Making pictures with colored glass or tiles.
- Collage – Using cloth, paper, and other materials to create art.
Part C: Creative Design (3D Art)
8. Sculpture
- Making sculptures using clay, wood, metal, or cement.
- All clay sculptures must be fired.
9. Product Design/Modeling
- Designing things like cars, phones, bottles, and beauty products.
10. Ceramics
- Making clay objects like vases, bowls, and toys.
- All ceramic works must be fired.
11. Crafts
- Basketry – Making mats, chairs, and bags from cane or raffia.
- Jewelry – Creating ornaments using beads, metal, and shells.
- Calabash Decoration – Decorating calabash with different techniques.
Recommended Textbooks for WAEC Visual Arts 2025
| Author(s) | Book Title | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Amenuke, S. K., & Dogbe, B. K. et al. | General Knowledge in Art for Senior Secondary Schools | Ministry of Education |
| Ayisi, E. O. (1972) | An Introduction to the Study of African Culture | Heinemann |
| Beier, U. (1960) | Art in Nigeria | Cambridge University Press |
| Banjoko, I. | Cultural and Creative Arts | N/A |
| Clement, R. | The Art Teacher’s Handbook | Century Hutchinson Limited |
| De Samsmarez, M. | Basic Design: The Dynamics of Visual Form | Studio Vista Limited |
| Filani, K. (2005) | Patterns of Culture in Contemporary Yoruba Art | Symphony Books |
| Gardner, H. (1980) | Art Through the Ages | Harcourt, Brace & World |
| Gillon, W. | A Short History of African Art | Penguin Books Limited |
| Gombrich, E. H. | The Story of Art | Phaidon Press Limited |
| Harlow | Art History in Africa | Longman Group Limited |
| Mayers, B. S. | Art & Civilization | McGraw Hill |
| Ogunmor, E. (2007) | Certificate Art for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools | University Press |
| Olaosebikan, W. A. | Cultural & Creative Arts: A Sourcebook for Teachers | Evans |
| Osborne, H. | Art of Appreciation | Oxford University |
| Oyelola, P. (1981) | Nigerian Crafts | Macmillan |
| Pluckrose, H. | The Book of Crafts | Evans Brothers Limited |
| Stemberg, H. | Composition | Grosset & Dunlop |
| Talabi, G. | Art Teaching in African Schools | Heinemann Educational Books |
| Underwood, L. (1968) | Bronzes of West Africa | Transatlantic Art |
| Uzoagba, I. N. (2008) | Understanding Art in General Education | African First Publishers Ltd |
| Wangboje, S. J. (1982) | A Textbook on Art for Senior Secondary School | Evans Brother (Nig.) Ltd |
| Whitfield | Beginning Pen Lettering (Book 3) | Gina and Company Ltd |
| Willett, F. (1967) | Ife and the History of West African Sculpture | Thames and Hudson |
| Willett, F. | African Art | Thames and Hudson |
Share this post with others who may need the WAEC Visual Arts Syllabus. If you have any questions, ask in the comments, and we will reply soon.
For more updates and related posts visit meritaward.ng
FAQs
What are the three papers in WAEC Visual Arts?
- Paper 1: Multiple-choice (40 marks, 50 mins)
- Paper 2: Essay (60 marks, 2 hours)
- Paper 3: Practical (100 marks per section)
What topics are covered in the WAEC Visual Arts Syllabus?
- General knowledge in art, West African art, drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, textiles, ceramics, and crafts.
Are there recommended textbooks for WAEC Visual Arts?
- Yes, books by Amenuke, Ayisi, Beier, Gardner, Gombrich, and others are recommended.
How long does the practical exam take?
- Drawing & 2D Design: 3 hours each
- 3D Design: Completed in 6 months
Where can I download the WAEC Visual Arts Syllabus?
- You can find it on the official WAEC website or educational platforms.