UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma – Grade Exemplification
Criterion | Fail
Work submitted fails to meet one or more of the assessment criteria and is of a poor standard. | Pass
Work submitted meets all of the assessment criteria and is of a satisfactory standard. | Merit
Work submitted meets all assessment criteria and is of a high standard. | Distinction
Work submitted meets all assessment criteria and is of a very high standard. |
Context | Limited understanding of subject context, lacking clarity in aims and purpose. | Understanding of subject context used appropriately to make judgments, describe aims and clarify purpose. | Good understanding and knowledge of subject context used to make sound judgments, articulate ambitions and clarify purpose. | Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of subject context used to communicate complex concepts, articulate ambitions and clarify purpose. |
Research | Little or no evidence presented or information does not relate sufficiently to task. | Sufficient relevant information has been gathered, documented and used in the development of ideas. | Thorough and sustained research and investigation of relevant sources, interpretation and synthesis of information used to inform, support and develop ideas. | Independently identified, thorough and sustained research and investigation of a range of relevant sources, insightful interpretation and synthesis of information used to inform, support and develop ideas. |
Problem Solving | Insufficient exploration of alternative ideas and processes. Problems unresolved. | Sufficient exploration of alternative ideas using established approaches to resolve practical and theoretical problems. | Decisive demonstration of initiative in effectively solving problems, adapting to unforeseen practical and theoretical challenges to achieve identified goals. | Decisive demonstration of initiative in effectively solving problems, autonomously implementing creative solutions and adapting to unforeseen practical and theoretical challenges to achieve identified goals |
Practical Skills | Ineffective planning and little or no evaluation against aims. Task or tasks are incomplete. | Evidence of effective planning and evaluation against aims that have contributed to a satisfactory completion of the task or tasks. | Coherent and reasoned planning, subject engagement and commitment. Realistic evaluation against aims and efficient production against timescales. | Detailed and coherent self‑directed planning and negotiation, subject engagement and commitment. Continuous evaluation against aims and efficient production against timescales. |
Planning and Production | Limited range of processes demonstrated, judgement and execution of techniques is poor. | Adequate range of processes, skills and knowledge demonstrated. Competent execution and application of techniques used to develop ideas. | Consistent and appropriate processes, skills and knowledge applied to extend enquiry and develop creative solutions. | In depth understanding and aesthetic awareness, imaginative and flexible processes, skills and knowledge applied in extensive enquiry to develop creative solutions. |
Evaluation and Reflection | Insufficient evidence of ongoing evaluation, lack of or only basic analysis and little or no justification for ideas. | Clearly communicated evidence of valid evaluation and realistic analysis independently used to inform and develop ideas. | Effective communication of analysis and interpretation, independent synthesis of information and application of reasoned decision making to inform development of ideas. | Accomplished and professional communication of perceptive analysis and interpretation, demonstrating clarity and sophistication in thinking and maturity in decision making to progress ideas. |
Presentation | Ineffective communication and presentation of ideas. Lack of clarity in structure, selection and organization. | Competent communication and sufficient clarity and consistency in presentation of ideas appropriate to the intended audience. | Confident selection, organisation and communication of ideas. Consistent approach to presentation demonstrating a good understanding of conventions and standards. | Confident selection, organisation and communication of ideas. Demonstrating autonomy, personal style and an ambitious use of available resources to communicate ideas effectively to an intended audience. |
Fail | Pass | Merit | Distinction |
Poor, limited, lacking, insufficient, ineffective, no justification. | Satisfactory, understanding, sufficient, adequate, competent. | High standard, thorough, sustained, decisive, coherent, appropriate, effective, reasoned, confident. | Very high standard, comprehensive, complex, independently, sustained, decisive, detailed, coherent, self-directed, in-depth, accomplished, confident. |
