: Externally Set Assignment

The Externally Set Assignment (ESA) is a major component of the WJEC A-Level Art and Design qualification, typically worth 40% of the final grade. It begins in early February when WJEC releases a question paper containing a broad theme (e.g., 'Contrast', 'Growth', 'Reflection') along with a range of starting points, artists, and resources. You have a preparatory period (usually around 12 weeks) to research, experiment, and develop your ideas into a personal response, culminating in a supervised 15-hour timed examination where you produce your final piece(s).

This assignment tests your ability to work independently, synthesise research, and sustain a coherent creative journey from initial inspiration to resolved outcome. It mirrors professional artistic practice, where you must respond to a brief within constraints. Success depends on thorough exploration of your chosen starting point, critical engagement with artists, and skilful use of materials and processes. The ESA is your opportunity to demonstrate your unique creative voice and technical competence under exam conditions.

The ESA fits into the wider A-Level course as the culmination of your independent study skills. It builds on the knowledge and techniques developed in Component 1 (Personal Investigation), but here you must respond to an unseen theme. This component assesses all four assessment objectives (AO1–AO4) equally: developing ideas through research (AO1), experimenting with media (AO2), recording observations (AO3), and presenting a personal response (AO4). A strong ESA shows clear links between your preparatory work and final outcome, with evidence of critical reflection and refinement.