Grade 9 Creative Arts (Visual Arts) is the culminating year of the Senior Phase, preparing learners for the specialized choices of Visual Arts or Design in Grade 10. The curriculum focuses heavily on visual literacy, the role of the artist in society, and mastering 2D and 3D techniques using varied media. To ensure you stay on track with your art portfolio and theory, it is essential to consult the full Grade 9 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).
This article outlines the 2026 Creative Arts (Visual Arts) Grade 9 ATP, breaking down the weekly focus areas for teachers and learners, covering everything from Self-Portraits and Printmaking to Puppetry and Public Sculpture.
Download ATP Here in pdf format
Download ATP HereCreative Arts (Visual Arts) Grade 9 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan is divided into four terms, ensuring a balance between practical art-making (both 2D and 3D) and theoretical understanding (Visual Literacy).
Download: Creative Arts (Visual Arts) Grade 9 ATP 2026 PDF
Term 1: The Artist as Social Commentator (2D)
Focus: The first term explores the role of the artist in society (local and global) and focuses on drawing and painting skills through portraiture.
- Visual Literacy:
- The Role of the Artist: Discussing the artist as a contributor, observer, and social commentator.
- Analysis: Interpreting portraits and symbolic language (signs, national symbols).
- Create in 2D:
- Self-Portrait: Creating a self-portrait that explores personal meaning and expression.
- Technique: Deepening colour-mixing skills and brush manipulation using tempera, acrylics, or oil pastels.
Term 2: 3D Construction and Public Art
Focus: Term 2 shifts to 3D construction, often focusing on public art or design, alongside a formal written test on art terminology.
- Create in 3D:
- Maquette: Building a small-scale model (maquette) for a South African sculpture intended for a public space.
- Skills: Construction and modeling techniques (pasting, cutting, wrapping, tying, joining) using recyclable materials.
- Spatial Awareness: Understanding planes, depth, and perspective.
- Alternative 2D Option:
- Creating a logo using a South African motif or a still life that makes a public comment.
- Assessment:
- Practical: 3D Maquette or 2D Logo (25 marks).
- Written: Test covering terminology, art elements, and design principles (25 marks).
Term 3: Popular Culture and Printmaking
Focus: Term 3 engages with popular culture and mass media, utilizing printmaking techniques like scraperboard or etching.
- Visual Literacy:
- Popular Culture: Analyzing the arts as popular culture (CD covers, wallpapers, flyers).
- Create in 2D:
- Printmaking: Exploring simple etching techniques using scraperboard (scratching/drawing) or linocuts.
- Project: Designing a flyer, CD cover, or screen saver that reflects popular culture.
- Technique: Experimenting with textures, black and white contrast, and scale.
Term 4: Puppetry and Life Drawing
Focus: The final term consolidates skills with a major 3D project (often Puppetry) or advanced drawing, followed by the final examinations.
- Create in 3D:
- Puppetry: Making a ventriloquist puppet (or other type) that makes a public commentary.
- Construction: Using mixed media and recyclable materials to create a functional character.
- Create in 2D (Alternative):
- Life Drawing: Observational drawing of a model using mixed media.
- Theme: Symbolic personal expression of belonging in the global world.
- Assessment:
- End-of-Year Examination:
- Practical: Final artwork (Puppet or Drawing) (25 marks).
- Written: Theory exam covering careers, visual literacy, and reflection (25 marks).
- End-of-Year Examination:
FAQ: Creative Arts (Visual Arts) Grade 9
Q: What materials are needed for Term 2? A: Term 2 focuses on 3D construction using “recyclable materials.” Students should collect boxes, toilet rolls, polystyrene, wire, wool, and adhesives to build their maquettes.
Q: Is there a written exam in Visual Arts? A: Yes. Visual Arts is not just about drawing. There is a written test in Term 2 and a final written examination in Term 4 that tests your understanding of art history, terminology, and analysis.
Q: What is a “Maquette”? A: A maquette is a small scale model or rough draft of an unfinished sculpture. In Term 2, learners build a small version of a sculpture that they imagine would be built large-scale in a public space.