Art & Design - Painting & Drawing
This element focuses on developing basic painting and drawing skills through research, idea development, and final outcome production in response to a given task or theme. Learners will explore a range of materials, techniques, and processes to communicate creative ideas, building a foundation for further study in art and design. The practical application emphasises the ability to plan, experiment, and present work that meets a brief, a key skill for creative industries.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The WJEC Entry Level Award in Creative Media and Performance Arts (Entry 2) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce students to the exciting world of creative media and performance. This course covers a range of disciplines including drama, dance, music, digital media, and art and design. Students will explore basic techniques, develop practical skills, and build confidence in expressing themselves creatively. The qualification is ideal for those who are new to the subject or who benefit from a more structured, step-by-step approach to learning.
This award is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which focuses on developing essential skills for further study and everyday life. By engaging with creative media and performance arts, students will improve their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. The course is assessed through practical tasks and a portfolio of work, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding in a hands-on way. It provides a solid stepping stone to higher-level qualifications, such as Entry Level 3 or Level 1 awards in related subjects.
In today's world, creative skills are highly valued across many industries. This qualification helps students to think imaginatively, work collaboratively, and present ideas effectively. Whether students aspire to work in the arts, media, or any other field, the confidence and creativity gained from this course will serve them well. The WJEC Entry Level Award is a recognised qualification that can be used to build a portfolio for future study or employment.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Creative exploration: Experimenting with different materials, techniques, and ideas to produce original work.
- →Performance skills: Developing basic abilities in acting, movement, voice, and stage presence for live or recorded performance.
- →Media production: Understanding simple processes for creating digital content, such as photography, video, or audio recording.
- →Collaboration: Working effectively with others to plan, rehearse, and present a creative project.
- →Reflection and evaluation: Reviewing your own work and that of others to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Be able to research information and ideas appropriate to painting and drawing work., Be able to develop ideas for a painting and drawing outcome using appropriate materials, techniques and processes., Be able to produce and present a painting and drawing outcome in response to a task or theme.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating clear evidence of research appropriate to the set theme, including collected images, observational sketches, and brief written notes that show understanding of the task.
- Award credit for developing ideas through experimentation with at least two different materials or techniques (e.g., pencil shading, watercolour washes, collage) and for annotating trials to indicate how they refine the intention.
- Award credit for producing a finished painting and/or drawing that clearly links back to the research and development, and for presenting the outcome to a basic standard (e.g., mounted, tidy edges, considered composition).
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Annotate all stages of your work with short, clear notes explaining your choices, connections to the theme, and reflections on what worked or could be improved—this provides evidence for assessment criteria.
- 💡Show a range of materials and techniques even if some experiments are less successful; the process is valued as much as the final outcome.
- 💡Submit all parts of your portfolio (research, development, and final piece) together, ensuring each is clearly labelled, as assessors must see the full journey from start to finish.
- 💡Tip 1: Keep a detailed log of your creative process. Examiners love to see evidence of how you developed your ideas from start to finish. Include sketches, notes, and photos of your work in progress.
- 💡Tip 2: When performing or presenting, focus on clear communication. Make sure your voice is loud enough, your movements are purposeful, and you maintain eye contact with your audience. Practice in front of friends or family to build confidence.
- 💡Tip 3: In your portfolio, explain your choices. For example, why did you choose a particular colour, sound, or movement? Showing that you can reflect on your decisions demonstrates deeper understanding and can earn you higher marks.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Research is disconnected from the final outcome, with learners simply copying images without personal adaptation or response to the theme.
- Skipping the development stage and moving straight to a final piece, which limits demonstration of creative thinking and problem-solving.
- Poor presentation of work, such as submitting crumpled or smudged sheets, which can detract from the overall impression and evidence of care.
- Misconception: 'You have to be naturally talented to do well in creative arts.' Correction: While talent can help, this course focuses on developing skills through practice and effort. Everyone can improve with guidance and hard work.
- Misconception: 'Creative media is just about using computers and technology.' Correction: While digital tools are important, the course also emphasises traditional techniques like drawing, painting, and live performance. It's about expressing ideas, not just using software.
- Misconception: 'Performance arts only means acting on stage.' Correction: Performance arts includes dance, music, and even digital performance. You can choose a pathway that suits your interests, whether that's behind the camera or in front of an audience.
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 - Painting & Drawing
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
- •No formal prerequisites are required for this Entry Level 2 award. However, a basic ability to communicate and follow instructions will be helpful. Some experience of creative activities, such as drawing or school plays, can be beneficial but is not essential.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Be able to research information and ideas appropriate to painting and drawing work., Be able to develop ideas for a painting and drawing outcome using appropriate materials, techniques and processes., Be able to produce and present a painting and drawing outcome in response to a task or theme.
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