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WalesVisual Arts

Recording, analysis and contextual understanding

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

How do you analyse artists and sources to show contextual and critical understanding?

Analysing sources and artists means examining how and why artworks are made, using contextual and other sources critically to inform a personal direction, which is the contextual understanding at the heart of AO1.
How to analyse artists and sources in WJEC Art and Design: examining how and why artworks are made and using contextual and other sources critically to inform a personal direction, the contextual and critical understanding at the heart of AO1, with a method for analysing an artwork.
12 min answer →

What recording and observational skills does the course assess, and how do you record well?

Recording and observational skills mean capturing ideas, observations and insights first-hand in visual and other forms relevant to intentions, reflecting on them, which is the practical heart of AO3.
The recording and observational skills assessed in WJEC Art and Design: capturing ideas, observations and insights first-hand in visual and other forms relevant to intentions and reflecting on them, the practical heart of AO3, with guidance on recording from direct observation.
12 min answer →

What is the extended written element of the Personal Investigation, and how do you write a strong one?

The extended written element of the Personal Investigation is a piece of continuous critical prose, between 1000 and 3000 words, exploring the contextual sources behind the practical work and integrated with it.
What the extended written element of the WJEC Personal Investigation requires: continuous critical prose of between 1000 and 3000 words exploring the contextual sources behind the practical work, integrated with it, illustrated and referenced, with guidance on writing a strong personal study.
13 min answer →