Coursework Guide

Back

Introduction & Information
Preparation and Research
Task 1
Design Ideas
Task 2 
Develop Ideas
Task 3
Reviewing
Task 4
Planning
Task 5
Production
Task 6
Presentation
Task 7
Evaluation
Final Submission
Grading
Moderation

Introduction

The non-exam assessment (NEA) is a formal synoptic assessment that requires the learner to independently apply an appropriate selection of knowledge, understanding, skills and techniques, developed through the full course of study, in response to a real-world situation, to enable them to demonstrate an integrated connection and coherence between the different elements of the qualification. The NEA will contribute 60% towards the overall qualification grade and therefore it is important that the learner produces work to the highest standard that they can. The learner must not start the NEA until they have been taught the full course, to ensure that they are in the best position to complete the NEA successfully.

What is a Synoptic Assessment?

Synoptic assessment is an important part of a high-quality vocational qualification because it shows that learners have achieved a holistic understanding of the sector and that they can make effective connections between different aspects of the subject content and across the breadth of the assessment objectives in an integrated way. The Department for Education (DfE) has consulted with Awarding Organisations and agreed the following definition for synoptic assessment:

“A form of assessment which requires a candidate to demonstrate that s/he can identify and use effectively in an integrated way an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories, and knowledge from across the whole vocational area, which are relevant to a key task.”

Synoptic assessment enables learners to show that they can transfer knowledge and skills learnt in one context to resolve problems raised in another. To support the development of a synoptic approach, the qualification encourages learners to make links between elements of the course and to demonstrate how they have integrated and applied their increasing knowledge and skills. As learners progress through the course, they will use and build upon knowledge and skills learnt across units. The NEA will test the learners’ ability to respond to a real-world situation.

Preparation and Research

In addition to the allocated assessment time for this non-exam assessment (NEA), you are permitted to spend a maximum of 2 hours to undertake research and develop a pack of resources that you can refer to during the formal NEA assessment time. During this 2-hour period, you may access all learning materials, the internet and other published materials. 

You should use this time to create your own resource pack and it is this pack alone that you may use during the allocated time given to the NEA. This is the only support material that is permitted during the completion of NEA tasks (unless otherwise stated within each task instructions). 

All research or data used in your final NEA must be referenced appropriately. 

As a minimum this should include the following: 
- The use of quotation marks to clearly identify any passages not of your own words 
- Date accessed 
- Name of source / author. 

Evidence requirements: research pack of no more than four sides of A4, font size 12 (if word processed) to be returned to your assessor at the end of each task / session and submitted with the completed NEA.

Task 1 - Initial Design Ideas

Total Marks: 12

3 hours

Maximum Time: 
Content Areas Assessed:

1. Components of Graphic Design
2. Work of Graphic Designers
3. Requirements of a Graphic Design Brief

AO1 - 4 marks
AO2 - 4 marks
AO3 - 4 marks

Assessment Objectives:

You are required to:

Requirements:

This will include:

Portfolio - Either digital or physical

Evidence:

You must also submit your internet browsing history used for research and planning purposes.

AO1 – Learners will recall knowledge and understanding of the component parts of graphic designs that may include the following: 

  • ►
  • Explain the six componentsof graphic design, with example images to illustrate; line, colour, tone, composition, typography and imagery.
  • ►
    Explain what 'visual language' in graphic design is.
  • ►
    Explain the graphic design principles.

Ensure all pages are titled appropriately and labelled 'Task 1'

AO2 – Learners will apply knowledge and understanding of the components of graphic design in creating initial ideas to meet to the requirements of the brief that may include the following:

  • ►
    Analyse the requirements of a graphic design brief.
  • ►
    Explain the purpose of the design.
  • ►
    Research design trends, target market, and competitors
  • ►
    Explain copyright considerations; use of stock images, licensing, text content, typography.
  • ►
    Explain contextual factors; personal, social, cultural and political.
  • ►
    Create design ideas (see below)

Ensure all pages are titled appropriately and labelled 'Task 1'

AO3 – Learners will analyse and evaluate knowledge and understanding of how their initial designs meet the requirements of brief this may include the following:

  • ►
    Explain how you have used the six components of graphic design in your ideas.
  • ►
    Explain your visual language and graphic design principles.
  • ►
    Explain how it meets the client's requirements.
  • ►
    Explain how it matches design trends and target market trends.
  • ►
    Explain how it appeals to your contextual factors.
  • ►
    Explain how it appeals to your target audience.

Ensure all pages are titled appropriately and labelled 'Task 1'

Example Task 1

Please note, due to this being the first year assessing this course, your own coursework may differ from the examples. It is provided as an example to give you inspiration ONLY.

Sample Title

Sample Text

Sample Title

Sample Text

Task 1 Mark Scheme