CCEA Level 1/2 GCSE in Contemporary Crafts

work with a range of materials, tools and equipment;

explore the properties and characteristics of materials and investigate the potential of making techniques and processes;

demonstrate an effective working knowledge of: traditional craft processes; contemporary interpretations of traditional skills; and sustainable work practices and the use of new materials and technologies by makers and designers;

demonstrate design/ideas development through relevant research, sketches, plans, working drawings and maquettes;

develop and show proficiency in making in at least two different craft disciplines; and

show an awareness and understanding of skilled making and the work of practitioners in the local, national and international craft and creative industries.

analyse and evaluate work they have produced using appropriate technical language;

produce an edited portfolio to include as appropriate: drawings/sketches/designs explaining planning; samples of techniques and processes; evidence of understanding materials; evidence of skills development; evidence of experimentation; annotations demonstrating their understanding; maquettes; and at least one final outcome;

produce a learning file to include: contextual information on craft makers/designers/artists; evidence of awareness and understanding of craft in the creative industries; evidence of health and safety practices; evidence of understanding of business models and employability options within the creative industries; and annotations demonstrating their understanding;

show an understanding of skilled making opportunities, for example retail (public, trade), film/theatre, gallery, architecture, manufacturing and construction.

demonstrate an understanding of the role of different types of business models, for example sole traders and limited companies; and

show an understanding of the different types of products or skilled production methods, for example bespoke, small batch and/or traditional construction methods.

present their work in an appropriate format(s);

demonstrate safe working practices in the production of their work;

understand safety issues in relation to materials, for example toxins, resistance and durability;

use equipment and tools safely;

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures; and

meet the deadline;

produce an outcome that fulfils the brief and present it in an appropriate manner; and

produce a written evaluation of their work in response to the brief detailing: if they had to change any aspect of their project plan; how and why they made their decisions; what challenges (if any) they encountered; any amendments they made; and how well they feel they responded to the requirements of the brief.

investigate and develop creative ideas in response to the brief through relevant research, sketches, plans, working drawings and maquettes;

select appropriate media, materials, techniques and/or technologies to produce maquettes;

carry out appropriate research into the work of practitioners within relevant discipline areas;

plan and prepare for the production of the final outcome;

review and modify their work as it progresses;

use equipment and tools safely;

demonstrate proficiency in technical skill;

recognise the craft skills necessary to achieve the intended outcome; and

annotate work in visual and/or written form.

indicate in their annotations: how and why they made their decisions; what challenges (if any) they encountered; and any amendments they made;

produce a project plan detailing: the resources required; the processes and practices to be employed; the required research, for example market research and the work of other practitioners; timescales, for example key deliverables, milestone dates and deadline dates; and costings;

assess and understand the requirements of the set brief;

Ceramics: Clay is used as a medium to create works that are architectural, functional, decorative or sculptural. The scale can vary widely from jewellery to large-scale vessels, and can also include elements of other materials. Techniques/Processes include, for example, slumping, slab building, coiling, modelling, moulding, throwing, sgraffito, incising and glazing.

Furniture: Materials traditionally associated with furniture include wood and metal. Other contemporary materials such as acrylic and fabrics can be explored. Craft-related drawing, CAD, hand and machine construction methods and new innovations/ approaches, both in material use and in making should be considered. Techniques/Processes include, for example, carving, joining, cutting, turning, adhering, beating, bending, annealing, etching, welding, forging and laser cutting.

Glass: The medium of glass has a rich history. From glass-blowing and hot sculpting to cold-working and stained glass, there are many methods of working with glass. Techniques/Processes include, for example, cutting, joining, slumping, fusing, engraving, staining, etching, lead and kiln casting.

Metal: Metalworking techniques always follow the same principles, whether the design is industrial, sculptural, or even a piece of jewellery. Techniques/Processes include, for example, beating, bending, annealing, etching, enamelling, welding, casting and forging.

Silversmithing and Jewellery: Jewellery may be made from a wide range of materials to create functional, wearable or sculptural pieces. Techniques/Processes include, for example, beading, wire wrapping, soldering, linking, beating, cutting, shaping, annealing, piercing, folding, enamelling and sculpting.

Stone: Stonemasonry is a craft that has long played a major role in the construction of dwellings, landscapes and sculptures. Stone carving refers to a particular way of producing a sculpture as opposed to modelling in clay or casting. Techniques/Processes include, for example, cutting, carving, sculpting and assemblage.

Textiles: Textiles have been a major part of human life since the beginning of civilisation. The methods and materials used to make them have expanded enormously. From material construction techniques to surface decoration and manipulation, textiles can be used to produce functional, decorative and sculptural outcomes. Techniques/Processes include, for example, crochet, embroidery, knitting, weaving, felting, upholstery, beading, fraying, slashing, shrinking and dyeing.

Wood: Different woods can provide colour and texture, strength and beauty to the items that a craft maker creates. Hand and machine construction methods can be used to produce a variety of outcomes. Techniques/Processes include, for example, turning, carving, cutting, planing, joining, adhering and marquetry.