The return of Component 02: Externally set task - art timed exams
09 March 2023
Karl Goodere-Dale, Art and Design Subject Advisor
After the ‘Covid years’, Component 02: Externally set tasks (ESTs) are back for A Level and GCSE Art and Design. We are receiving many questions about the timed aspect of the externally set task, often referred to as the ‘timed exam’. To help teachers and students prepare we have produced this briefing note to answer some of your questions.
As you know, qualifications in this subject area at GCSE and A Level are 100% non-exam assessments and externally moderated. The timed aspect of the externally set task needs to comply with the JCQ Instructions for Conducting Examinations.
Access to the pre-release materials
Nobody is allowed to see the exam papers until their official release date, when they will also be published on the relevant subject qualification pages of our website, under the Assessment area. This release date applies across all the exam boards.
We will also publish a teacher-editable PowerPoint resource a few days after the pre-release material has been published.
Scheduling the supervised timed sessions
When determining when to schedule the supervised timed sessions our tip is to work backwards from the mark submission date, factoring in:
- marking time
- students challenging their marks in line with the JCQ rule
- re-marking if challenged
- internal standardisation
Who can invigilate Art and Design?
Art and design teachers can act as invigilators for the art exams. However, JCQ ICE guidelines 2022-2023 suggest additional invigilators should be used so the teacher is free to give technical assistance. This makes sure that other students are always supervised.
What about preparatory work?
All preparatory work should be handed in and kept securely at the centre from the beginning of the first timed exam session.
Students take any preparatory work they have produced into the exam room for inspiration. All the preparatory work will be submitted along with the work produced during the timed exam. Any work a student brings into the exam room needs to be their own work.
Students are not allowed to continue working on their preparatory work once the exams have started.
Exam conditions
Art timed exams should be held under formal conditions. However, students are allowed to move around as necessary. Students are not allowed to listen to music during the exam.
They are not allowed to communicate with each other. They should not ask for help from or give help to another student while they are in the examination room. You must remind students that all the work they produce during the exam must be their own.
Computer and internet access needs to be monitored and restricted, if necessary, including student access to cloud-based software such as Photoshop online.
Work stored electronically must be stored safely and securely. Candidates must not be able to access it outside of the exam time periods.
If candidates save their work using devices such as data sticks, these must be left in the exam room and centres should have a backup procedure in place in case the data stick becomes corrupted.
Visiting moderation
For guidance on preparing for moderation please see our earlier blog, which explains all you need to know about visiting moderation for Art and Design.
Stay connected
Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any questions, you can email us at art&design@ocr.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @OCR_ArtDesign. You can also sign up to subject updates and receive email information about resources and support.
About the author
Before joining OCR in September 2019, Karl taught creative subjects in both art and design technology for 12 years. With experience with a variety of roles in secondary schools, including as a head of department, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in teaching creative subjects at GCSE, A Level and BTEC. He has also previously worked as one of our examiners.
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