What happens if I don't finish my final piece in the 10-hour session?

You should aim to finish within the time, but if you don't, you can submit the unfinished work. However, it may not achieve full marks for AO4 (final outcome). To avoid this, plan your time carefully and practice timed pieces before the exam. Focus on quality over quantity; a well-resolved smaller piece is better than a large, incomplete one.

Can I use photographs from the internet in my preparatory work?

Yes, but you must reference them and explain how they inspire your own ideas. However, primary sources (your own photographs, drawings from life) are valued more highly because they show direct observation (AO3). Use internet images as a starting point, but develop them into your own interpretations.

How many artists should I study for the ESA?

There is no set number, but quality over quantity is key. Studying 2-4 artists in depth is usually sufficient. For each, analyse their techniques, themes, and context, and show how their work influences your own experiments. Avoid just copying; instead, use their ideas as a springboard for your own creativity.

Do I need to write a lot of text in my sketchbook?

Yes, annotation is crucial. Write about your intentions, the success of experiments, and connections to artists. However, don't write for the sake of it; every annotation should add insight. Use bullet points or short paragraphs, and link your writing to specific images or samples.

What if my final piece looks completely different from my preparatory work?

That's fine as long as you document the development. Examiners expect some evolution. If you change direction, explain why in your sketchbook (e.g., 'I abandoned this idea because...'). The key is to show a logical progression, even if the final outcome is a surprise.

Can I work on my preparatory work at home?

Yes, the preparatory period is done outside of supervised sessions. You can work on your sketchbook at home, in school, or anywhere. Only the 10-hour sustained focus session is supervised and must be done in school under exam conditions.

How to Revise Externally set assignment — WJEC GCSE Art and Design

Externally set assignment is a topic in the WJEC GCSE Art and Design specification. This guide covers learning objectives, examiner tips, common mistakes, and key terminology to help you revise effectively.

Examiner Tips for Externally set assignment

Use the preparatory period to experiment with a wide range of media and techniques to inform your final outcome
Ensure all research is clearly linked to your personal creative response
Document your reflections and insights throughout the process to demonstrate AO3
Use the provided visual stimuli and written briefs as a starting point for a personal, creative response
Ensure all work from the preparatory period is ready to inform the resolution process
Manage time effectively within the 10-hour supervised window to ensure the final response is fully realised
Focus on demonstrating the refinement and reflection processes alongside the final outcome

Common Mistakes in Externally set assignment

Failing to link preparatory work to the final 10-hour sustained focus resolution
Neglecting to include critical and contextual research alongside practical work
Lack of reflection on the creative process
Insufficient exploration of the chosen 'big idea' or stimuli

Key Marking Points

Evidence of critical and contextual research related to the chosen assignment
Development and refinement of ideas through practical experimentation
Reflections on the creative process and progress
Evidence of meeting all four assessment objectives (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4)
Preparation of supporting studies that directly inform the final resolution
Resolution of ideas developed from preparatory work

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Externally set assignment

WJEC

GCSE

The preparatory study period is the initial phase of the Unit 2 Externally Set Assignment, where learners select and respond to a WJEC-provided assignment based on an overarching 'big idea'. During this period, learners conduct practical, critical, and contextual research and supporting studies to develop and refine their ideas, which will ultimately inform their final resolution in the 10-hour sustained focus study.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

The Externally Set Assignment (ESA) is a major component of the WJEC GCSE in Art and Design, accounting for 40% of your final grade. It is a controlled assessment that begins with a preparatory period, during which you explore a theme set by the exam board, followed by a supervised 10-hour sustained focus session where you produce a final outcome. This assignment tests your ability to independently research, develop ideas, experiment with media, and create a personal response that demonstrates your understanding of artistic processes and critical thinking.

The ESA is designed to assess your skills across four assessment objectives: AO1 (develop ideas through investigations), AO2 (refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media), AO3 (record ideas, observations and insights), and AO4 (present a personal and meaningful final response). It is crucial because it showcases your ability to work independently under timed conditions, synthesising all the skills you have developed throughout the course. Success in the ESA can significantly boost your overall grade, so careful planning and time management are essential.

This topic fits into the wider subject by requiring you to apply everything you have learned about the formal elements (line, tone, colour, texture, shape, form, space), the work of other artists, and your own creative process. The ESA is your opportunity to demonstrate a sustained, personal investigation that culminates in a resolved piece of work. It mirrors professional artistic practice, where artists respond to a brief or theme, and it prepares you for further study or careers in creative fields.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Preparatory period: The initial phase (usually several weeks) where you research the theme, gather primary and secondary sources, experiment with materials and techniques, and develop ideas through sketches, annotations, and artist studies.
→Sustained focus session: A 10-hour supervised session (usually split into two or three blocks) where you produce your final outcome. You must work independently and cannot bring in pre-prepared work, though you can refer to your preparatory studies.
→Assessment objectives (AO1-AO4): The four criteria used to mark your work. AO1 focuses on research and analysis, AO2 on experimentation and refinement, AO3 on recording observations, and AO4 on the final outcome's quality and personal meaning.
→Personal response: Your final piece must reflect your own ideas, interpretations, and artistic voice, not just copy an existing artwork or style. It should show a clear connection to your preparatory work.
→Annotation and evaluation: Written commentary explaining your choices, influences, and the development of your ideas. This is vital for demonstrating critical thinking and meeting AO1 and AO3.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Evidence of critical and contextual research related to the chosen assignment
Development and refinement of ideas through practical experimentation
Reflections on the creative process and progress
Evidence of meeting all four assessment objectives (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4)
Preparation of supporting studies that directly inform the final resolution
Resolution of ideas developed from preparatory work
Evidence of meeting all four assessment objectives (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4)
Equal weighting of assessment objectives across the combined preparatory and sustained focus work

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Evidence of critical and contextual research related to the chosen assignment
Development and refinement of ideas through practical experimentation
Reflections on the creative process and progress
Evidence of meeting all four assessment objectives (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4)
Preparation of supporting studies that directly inform the final resolution
Resolution of ideas developed from preparatory work
Evidence of meeting all four assessment objectives (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4)
Equal weighting of assessment objectives across the combined preparatory and sustained focus work
Presentation of a personal and meaningful response
Demonstration of understanding of visual language

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Use the preparatory period to experiment with a wide range of media and techniques to inform your final outcome
💡Ensure all research is clearly linked to your personal creative response
💡Document your reflections and insights throughout the process to demonstrate AO3
💡Use the provided visual stimuli and written briefs as a starting point for a personal, creative response
💡Ensure all work from the preparatory period is ready to inform the resolution process
💡Manage time effectively within the 10-hour supervised window to ensure the final response is fully realised
💡Focus on demonstrating the refinement and reflection processes alongside the final outcome
💡Tip 1: Use your preparatory period wisely. Create a mind map of the theme, then explore at least three different directions before settling on one. This shows breadth of investigation (AO1) and helps you avoid a last-minute rush.
💡Tip 2: Annotate everything. Write about why you chose certain artists, how you experimented with materials, and what you learned from mistakes. This demonstrates critical thinking and helps examiners see your thought process.
💡Tip 3: Plan your 10-hour session carefully. Break it down into stages (e.g., 2 hours for underpainting, 4 hours for main work, 2 hours for details, 2 hours for finishing touches). Stick to your plan but be flexible if something isn't working.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Failing to link preparatory work to the final 10-hour sustained focus resolution
Neglecting to include critical and contextual research alongside practical work
Lack of reflection on the creative process
Insufficient exploration of the chosen 'big idea' or stimuli
Misconception: The final outcome is the only thing that matters. Correction: The preparatory work is equally important and is marked separately. Examiners look for a clear journey from initial ideas to final piece, so your sketchbook should show thorough exploration and refinement.
Misconception: You can bring a finished piece into the sustained focus session. Correction: The 10-hour session is for creating your final outcome from scratch, using your preparatory studies as a guide. You cannot bring pre-made elements, but you can bring materials and reference images.
Misconception: You must stick to one medium or style. Correction: Experimentation is encouraged. Trying different media and techniques shows risk-taking and refinement (AO2). Your final piece can combine multiple media if it serves your concept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Understanding of the formal elements (line, tone, colour, texture, shape, form, space) and how to use them in composition.
•Experience with a range of media (e.g., pencil, paint, printmaking, digital) and knowledge of their properties.
•Familiarity with analysing artists' work (e.g., describing techniques, context, and influence on your own ideas).

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Respond

Develop

Refine

Research

Select

Reflect

Resolve

Present

Demonstrate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Externally set assignment

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

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E2E stub topic

fine art