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The Externally Set Assignment

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is Component 2, the Externally Set Assignment, and how is it structured and assessed?

The Externally Set Assignment (Component 2): a Pearson-set theme released from 1 February, with a preparatory period and 15 hours of sustained focus, worth 72 marks and 40 per cent.
An Edexcel A-Level Art and Design guide to Component 2, the Externally Set Assignment. Explains the Pearson-set theme released on or after 1 February, the preparatory period, the 15 hours of sustained focus under supervision, the 72 marks and 40 per cent weighting, and how it is marked against all four assessment objectives.
13 min answer →

How do you use the ESA preparatory period to build a strong investigation from the set theme?

The preparatory period: using the open-ended phase to research the set theme, gather first-hand sources, experiment and plan a final outcome.
An Edexcel A-Level Art and Design guide to the Externally Set Assignment preparatory period. Explains how to use the open-ended phase to interpret the set theme, research artists, gather first-hand sources, experiment with media, develop ideas, and plan a final outcome so the supervised period is productive.
12 min answer →

How do you manage the 15-hour sustained focus period to produce a resolved personal outcome?

The sustained focus period: producing a resolved final outcome in 15 hours of supervised, unaided work, managing time, materials and the realisation of intentions.
An Edexcel A-Level Art and Design guide to the Externally Set Assignment sustained focus period. Explains the 15 hours of supervised, unaided work, how to manage time across sessions, working from preparatory studies, realising intentions under pressure, and how AO4 is mainly evidenced here.
12 min answer →