Art & Design - Graphic Design
This subtopic equips learners with foundational skills in graphic design, focusing on researching visual communication concepts, developing creative ideas using basic materials and techniques, and producing a final graphic outcome in response to a given brief. It emphasizes the practical application of design processes to create effective visual solutions.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The WJEC Entry Level Certificate in Creative Media and Performance Arts (Entry 3) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce students to the diverse world of creative media and performance. It covers key areas such as digital media production, performance skills, and creative project development. This qualification is ideal for students who want to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop practical skills in a supportive environment. It provides a stepping stone to further study in media, drama, or art, and helps students understand how creative industries operate.
Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on activities like creating short films, designing posters, or performing short scenes. They will learn to plan, produce, and evaluate their own creative work, while also developing teamwork and communication skills. The qualification emphasizes real-world applications, such as understanding audience needs and using basic equipment. By the end, students will have a portfolio of work that showcases their abilities and prepares them for more advanced qualifications or entry-level roles in creative fields.
This qualification fits within the broader WJEC-CBAC Vocationally-Related Qualifications framework, which focuses on practical, skills-based learning. It is assessed through internal assignments rather than exams, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through creative projects. The Entry 3 level is equivalent to a GCSE grade 1 or below, making it accessible for students who need extra support or prefer a more hands-on approach to learning.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Audience awareness: Understanding who your creative work is for and how to tailor content to their interests and needs.
- →Planning and storyboarding: Breaking down a creative idea into a step-by-step plan, including visuals, scripts, or shot lists.
- →Basic production techniques: Using simple equipment like cameras, microphones, or editing software to create media or performances.
- →Evaluation and reflection: Reviewing your own work to identify strengths and areas for improvement, using feedback from others.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Be able to research information and ideas appropriate to graphic design., Be able to develop ideas for a graphic design outcome using appropriate materials, techniques and processes., Be able to produce and present a graphic outcome in response to a task or theme.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for providing a clear collection of visual research (e.g., mood boards, sketches, gathered images) that demonstrates exploration of a given theme or task.
- Award credit for demonstrating iterative idea development, showing how initial concepts are refined through experimentation with materials, techniques, or layout.
- Award credit for completing a finished graphic outcome that is appropriately presented (e.g., mounted, labeled) and clearly relates to the original brief or theme.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Ensure your sketchbook or portfolio clearly documents each stage: research pages, idea thumbnails, development experiments, and final outcome with annotations explaining your choices.
- 💡Always refer back to the task brief throughout the process to demonstrate relevance; annotate how your research influenced your design decisions.
- 💡Always check the assignment brief carefully. Make sure you understand what you need to produce and the criteria for success. Highlight key words like 'describe', 'explain', or 'create'.
- 💡Keep a log or diary of your creative process. This helps you remember what you did and why, which is useful for the evaluation section. Include screenshots, sketches, or notes.
- 💡Practice presenting your work to others. Being able to talk confidently about your choices and what you learned shows deeper understanding and can boost your marks.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Students often mistake collecting images as sufficient research without analyzing or selecting relevant elements to inform their own ideas.
- A common error is jumping straight to a final design without showing how ideas were developed or refined, losing marks for the process.
- Misconception: 'Creative media is just about being artistic, not technical.' Correction: While creativity is key, you also need to learn practical skills like using a camera or editing software to bring your ideas to life.
- Misconception: 'Performance arts only means acting on stage.' Correction: Performance arts includes dance, music, and even digital performances like vlogging or presenting. It's about communicating with an audience through various forms.
- Misconception: 'You don't need to plan; just start creating.' Correction: Planning is crucial. Without a storyboard or script, your final product may lack structure and fail to meet the brief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for WJEC-CBAC Art & Design - Graphic Design
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic literacy and numeracy skills to follow instructions and measure materials.
- •Some experience with using a computer or tablet for simple tasks like typing or drawing.
- •An interest in creative activities such as drawing, acting, or making videos.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Be able to research information and ideas appropriate to graphic design., Be able to develop ideas for a graphic design outcome using appropriate materials, techniques and processes., Be able to produce and present a graphic outcome in response to a task or theme.
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