An overview of Unit 2, the Externally Set Assignment, in WJEC GCSE Art and Design: the 40 percent, 80-mark practical unit answering a theme from a WJEC-set paper, in two parts (a preparatory period of supporting studies and a final outcome made in 10 hours of sustained focus under supervision), evidencing all four assessment objectives, internally marked and externally moderated by WJEC.

What this dot point is asking

This dot point is an overview of Unit 2, the Externally Set Assignment, the second unit. You need to know what it is (the 40 percent, 80-mark practical unit on a WJEC-set theme), its two parts (a preparatory period and a final outcome made in 10 hours of sustained focus), and how it is judged (all four assessment objectives, internally marked and externally moderated by WJEC). Because the unit is practical, this is an overview, not a studio manual, but the 10-hour rule and the link between the two parts are key examinable details.

What the Externally Set Assignment is

The two parts: preparation, then the outcome

The assignment runs in two parts. Part 1, the preparatory period, is where you respond to your chosen theme by investigating sources, recording from observation, experimenting with media and refining towards a resolved plan; the time allowed for it is set by the centre. Part 2 is the final outcome, produced in the 10 hours of sustained focus, in which you make the response you have planned. The relationship between the two is the heart of the unit: the preparation plans the outcome, and the outcome realises the preparation.

The 10 hours of sustained focus

The defining feature of Unit 2 is the 10 hours of sustained focus: a supervised period in which the final outcome is made. It is the only timed, supervised element of the whole qualification. Two rules matter. First, it is for making, not planning: the outcome you produce should be the response your preparatory work has already resolved. Second, the preparatory work may not be added to once the 10 hours has begun, so all the investigation, recording and refinement must be finished beforehand. The 10 hours therefore rewards a confident execution of an already-resolved plan.

Why preparation wins the marks

Because the outcome is made in only 10 hours, it cannot also be planned then, so the planning must already be done. Thorough preparatory work investigates sources, records observations, experiments with media and resolves a clear plan, which means the preparation evidences three of the four objectives (develop, refine and record, AO1 to AO3), while the outcome realises intentions (AO4). Weak preparation leaves the outcome disconnected and the first three objectives thin, whereas strong preparation makes the outcome the natural conclusion of a resolved enquiry. So most of the unit's marks are effectively won before the sustained focus begins.

Try this

Q1. Describe the two parts of Unit 2, the Externally Set Assignment. [Knowledge recall]

• Cue. Part 1 is a preparatory period of supporting studies (investigation, recording, media experiment and refinement) responding to a WJEC-set theme; Part 2 is the final outcome made in 10 hours of sustained focus under supervision. Unit 2 is 40 percent and 80 marks.

Q2. Explain why thorough preparatory work is essential before the 10-hour sustained focus. [Short explanation]

• Cue. The outcome is made in only 10 hours, so it cannot also be planned then; thorough preparation resolves the plan and evidences develop, refine and record, while the outcome realises intentions, so weak preparation leaves the outcome disconnected and three objectives thin, and most marks are won before the sustained focus begins.