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There are two parts to the Eduqas course for GCSE Art and Design. The portfolio is 60 per cent of the course and the externally set assignment is 40 per cent.

What is the externally set assignment?

The externally set assignment is the ‘e�油��’ at the end of the GCSE course. In January of Year 11 the externally set assignment papers are released. They contain the assignments that you can choose from for your assignment.

What is an assignment?

Each year a set of 15 assignments are offered for candidates to choose between. These will be the focus of the year’s externally set assignment.

• Five are called themes – these are given as a word or short phrase. These could be anything from a feeling, an activity, an object or a concept.
• Five are visual assignments – each of the visual assignments are a collection of images loosely based on a theme.
• Five are written briefs – these are short paragraphs outlining an idea. You can choose any of the 15 assignments – find one that you like or excites you most or one that you think you can do well.

Some example assignments

The starting points are broadly framed so you can respond to them in your own way.

An example of a theme

Themes are often very short – it could be a single word like “Home” or a phrase such as “Losing power”.

An example of a visual assignment

You might wish to take inspiration from people comforting one another.

An example of a written brief:

Found items

Animals frequently make use of items that were disposed of by humans – for example hermit crabs have been known to use drinks cans, or magpies sometimes use old building materials.

Consider how humans affect the lives of animals, and develop your own artwork or design that reflects this idea.

In these examples, would you have to use artists whose work is only linked to emotion?

You are not restricted by the theme or title for the artists you choose. For instance, you might like the sculptures made from recycled objects by Anthony Heywood. You could use his idea of using recycled materials and objects and apply these ideas towards your chosen assignment.