Art & Design - Printmaking
This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental principles of printmaking, focusing on researching inspiration, experimenting with basic materials and techniques, and creating a finished print in response to a given theme. Learners will explore how to develop personal ideas through visual research and iterative design, culminating in the production and presentation of a final printmaking outcome that demonstrates their understanding of the process.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The WJEC Entry Level Award in Creative Media and Performance Arts (Entry 3) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce students to the creative industries. It covers a range of disciplines including media production, performance arts, and creative design. This award is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which aims to develop essential skills for further study or employment. Students will explore practical activities such as creating a short film, performing a scripted scene, or designing a promotional poster, all while building confidence and creativity.
This qualification matters because it provides a stepping stone into the creative sector, which is a significant part of the UK economy. By engaging with real-world tasks, students learn to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, and communicate ideas effectively. The course is structured around three mandatory units: Exploring Creative Media and Performance Arts, Developing Skills in Creative Media and Performance Arts, and Responding to a Brief. These units ensure a balanced understanding of both media and performance, allowing students to discover their strengths and interests.
Within the wider subject of Foundations for Learning, this award complements other Entry Level qualifications in areas like English, maths, and personal development. It encourages a holistic approach to education, where creative thinking is valued alongside academic skills. Students who complete this award often progress to Level 1 qualifications in media, performing arts, or related fields, making it a crucial first step in their educational journey.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Target audience: Understanding who the creative work is for (e.g., age, interests) and tailoring content to engage them effectively.
- →Purpose of creative work: Identifying whether a piece is meant to inform, entertain, persuade, or educate, and how this shapes production choices.
- →Basic production techniques: For media, this includes camera angles, lighting, and editing; for performance, it covers voice projection, movement, and characterisation.
- →Responding to a brief: Interpreting a client's requirements, planning a creative response, and evaluating the final outcome against the brief's criteria.
- →Collaboration and teamwork: Working with others to share ideas, divide tasks, and produce a cohesive final piece, reflecting real industry practice.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Be able to research information and ideas appropriate to printmaking., Be able to develop ideas for a printmaking outcome using appropriate materials, techniques and processes., Be able to produce and present a printmaking outcome in response to a task or theme.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating thorough visual research from primary or secondary sources, including annotated sketches or collected images relevant to the printmaking theme.
- Expect evidence of idea development through trials with at least two printmaking techniques (e.g., monoprinting, relief printing) and reflective annotation explaining choices.
- Credit should be given for producing a well-presented final print that clearly relates to the initial research and exploration, showing competence in the chosen technique.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always annotate your work in progress to show how you have responded to feedback and made creative decisions, as this demonstrates the ‘developing ideas’ criteria.
- 💡Ensure your final piece is clean, well-composed, and mounted or presented professionally, as presentation is part of the assessment and reflects pride in your work.
- 💡Tip 1: Use a production log or diary to document your creative process. This shows examiners how you developed ideas, solved problems, and reflected on your work. Include sketches, notes, and photos as evidence.
- 💡Tip 2: When performing, focus on clarity and expression. Even if you forget a line, stay in character and improvise naturally. Examiners reward confidence and commitment over perfection.
- 💡Tip 3: For media projects, pay attention to sound quality. Poor audio can ruin a good video. Use a separate microphone if possible, and check for background noise during filming.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing printmaking with simple stamping or painting, and not exploring the transfer process nor the variety of methods like collagraph or linocut.
- Failing to document the iterative process adequately, leaving gaps in the evidence from research to final outcome, which weakens the assessment narrative.
- Overlooking health and safety considerations when using cutting tools, printing inks, or cleaning solvents, leading to unsafe practice or damaged work.
- Misconception: 'Creative work doesn't need planning – you can just improvise.' Correction: While improvisation is a skill, most professional creative projects require careful planning, including storyboarding, scripting, and rehearsal schedules. Planning ensures the final piece meets the brief and is completed on time.
- Misconception: 'Only one person does all the work in a group project.' Correction: In creative industries, collaboration is key. Each team member should have a defined role (e.g., director, camera operator, actor) and contribute equally. Assessors look for evidence of teamwork, not just the final product.
- Misconception: 'If it looks good, it doesn't matter if it meets the brief.' Correction: The brief is the most important guide. Even a visually stunning piece can lose marks if it doesn't address the specified purpose, audience, or requirements. Always check your work against the brief before submission.
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 - Printmaking
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 at Entry 2 level, as students need to read briefs, write simple plans, and measure materials.
- •Some experience of working in a group, such as in school projects or extracurricular activities, to build teamwork skills.
- •An interest in creative activities like drawing, acting, or using digital tools, though no formal prior knowledge is required.
Coursework AI Review
Paste your assignment brief and check your draft against its P/M/D criteria
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Be able to research information and ideas appropriate to printmaking., Be able to develop ideas for a printmaking outcome using appropriate materials, techniques and processes., Be able to produce and present a printmaking outcome in response to a task or theme.
Ready to learn?
AI-powered learning tailored to this unit