WAEC Basketry Syllabus 2025 (UPDATED)

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Table of Contents

WAEC Basketry Syllabus

Preamble

The WAEC Basketry syllabus provides students with comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge in basketry, preparing them for further education and potential self-employment. The syllabus is designed to help students understand the historical and socio-economic significance of basketry and develop the creative and technical skills required to produce high-quality basketry items.

Aims and Objectives

The objectives of the examination syllabus are to assess candidates on:

Knowledge and Understanding: Understanding the historical development and socio-economic importance of basketry.
Creative Skills: Ability to design and produce various forms of basketry to meet societal and cultural needs.
Manipulatory Skills: Proficiency in making, decorating, and finishing basketry articles.
Entrepreneurial Skills: Knowledge necessary to plan and establish a sustainable small-scale industry.
Appreciation and Evaluation: Ability to appreciate and evaluate basketry works.

Scheme of Examination

There will be three papers: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Paper 1 and Paper 2 will be taken at one sitting.

Paper 1

Content: Forty multiple-choice objective questions.
Duration: 50 minutes.
Marks: 40 marks.

Paper 2

Content: Six essay-type questions, out of which candidates must answer four.
Duration: 2 hours.
Marks: 60 marks.

Paper 3: Project Work

Content: Practical work.
Duration: Five consecutive days with six hours per day.
Marks: 100 marks.
Description: Candidates will execute one practical question out of two provided, showcasing their skills in designing and producing basketry under examination conditions. Preliminary designs/sketches must be presented alongside the finished work and sent to WAEC.

Detailed Syllabus

1. Meaning and Scope of Basketry

Areas Covered: Coiled work, woven articles, frameworks, macrame, etc.
Articles Produced: Baskets, hats, mats, nets, couches, footwear, cots, etc.
Materials and Tools: Characteristics and uses of materials; description and functions of tools.

2. Rationale for Studying Basketry

Creative Use of Materials: Producing culturally significant and aesthetically pleasing articles.
Skills Acquisition: Preparation for employment and further education.
Tourism Promotion: Cultural artifacts as tourist attractions.

3. History, Social, Cultural, and Economic Importance

History: Origin and evolution of basketry.
Social Use: Role in social activities and entertainment.
Cultural Importance: Significance in cultural practices and traditions.
Economic Importance: Contribution to agriculture, commerce, and local economies.

4. Places, People, and Basketry

Contributions: Influence of different cultures and geographical regions on basketry techniques and styles.

5. Competencies and Attitudes

Skills: Weaving, designing, and other technical skills.
Values: Tolerance, diligence, honesty, commitment, communication skills, and time-management.

6. Types and Characteristics of Materials

Natural and Synthetic Materials: Flexibility, rigidity, and suitability for basketry.
Preparation: Techniques for drying, wetting, and preserving materials.

7. Tools and Their Uses

Categories and Descriptions: Tools used in basketry; improvisation, care, maintenance, and safety precautions.

8. Elements and Principles of Design

Elements: Dot, line, shape, texture, color, etc.
Principles: Unity, balance, proportion, repetition, etc.
Application: Design techniques such as knotting, weaving, and plaiting.

9. Basic Design and Technology

Design Definition: Conceptualization and execution of designs.
Techniques: Use of appropriate tools and materials for design implementation.

10. Designing Articles to Suit Specific Needs

Process: Designing functional and culturally appropriate basketry articles.
Criteria for Evaluation: Material choice, color scheme, technique, and finishing.

11. Sustainable Development of Basketry

Strategies: Sustainable sourcing of raw materials; environmental conservation.
Challenges: Competition with synthetic materials; solutions through cooperative efforts and market strategies.

12. Decoration and Finishing

Decoration: Techniques like weaving variations, scorching, spraying, and incorporation of complementary materials.
Finishing: Processes such as wrapping, binding, tying, trimming, varnishing, etc.

13. Entrepreneurial Skills in Practice

Portfolio Development: Showcase of skills and products (prints, photos, CDs, DVDs).
Business Plan: Importance, components, and steps towards business establishment.
Exhibition and Promotion: Types of exhibitions and promotional strategies.

14. Packaging and Handling

Definition and Function: Importance of packaging in marketing.
Types: Primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
Costing and Pricing: Factors influencing pricing; calculation of variable and fixed costs.

Syllabus Content

Meaning and Scope of Basketry

Basketry involves creating functional and decorative items by weaving and interlacing materials like reeds, cane, and synthetic fibers. The scope includes:

Coiled Work: Using materials to form coiled baskets and containers.
Woven Articles: Creating mats, nets, and fabric-like pieces.
Frame Works: Making rigid structures like frames for larger items.
Macrame: Knotting techniques to produce intricate patterns and designs.

Examples of Basketry Products: Baskets, hats, mats, nets, couches, footwear, and cots.

Tools and Materials:

Characteristics: Flexibility, durability, and suitability for various basketry techniques.
Tools: Needles, knives, looms, and other devices used for cutting, weaving, and assembling materials.

Rationale for Studying Basketry

Cultural Significance: Basketry is deeply rooted in many cultures and serves various social, functional, and aesthetic purposes.

Skills Acquisition: Learning basketry can provide skills for personal use, artistic expression, and professional opportunities.

Tourism Promotion: Handcrafted basketry items are often sought after by tourists, promoting local culture and generating income.

History, Social, Cultural, and Economic Importance

Historical Development: Tracing the origin and evolution of basketry practices in different cultures.

Social Use: Basketry items are used in daily life, ceremonies, and as decorative items.

Cultural Importance: Basketry often reflects cultural symbols, traditions, and craftsmanship.

Economic Importance: Basketry contributes to local economies through trade, agriculture, and artisan markets.

Places, People, and Basketry

Regional Variations: Different regions have unique basketry styles and techniques influenced by available materials and cultural practices.

Notable Contributions: Highlighting significant contributions by individuals and communities to the field of basketry.

Competencies and Attitudes

Technical Skills: Mastery of various basketry techniques like weaving, coiling, and knotting.

Creative Skills: Ability to design innovative and culturally relevant basketry items.

Professional Values: Importance of diligence, commitment, and ethical practices in the craft.

Types and Characteristics of Materials

Natural Materials: Reeds, cane, bamboo, and grasses known for their flexibility and durability.

Synthetic Materials: Plastics and other man-made fibers that offer consistency and specific advantages.

Preparation Techniques: Methods for treating and preparing materials, such as drying and soaking, to enhance their usability.

Tools and Their Uses

Categories: Cutting tools, weaving tools, and assembly tools.

Descriptions and Uses: Detailed explanations of each tool’s purpose and how to use them effectively.

Maintenance: Guidelines for keeping tools in good condition to ensure safety and longevity.

Elements and Principles of Design

Design Elements: Basics like dots, lines, shapes, and colors used in creating basketry patterns.

Design Principles: Concepts like unity, balance, and proportion that guide the overall aesthetics of the piece.

Application: Practical exercises in applying these elements and principles to create cohesive and appealing designs.

Basic Design and Technology

Conceptualization: Developing ideas from memory, imagination, and observation.

Implementation: Using tools and materials to bring designs to life.

Techniques: Instruction in specific techniques for effective design execution.

Designing Articles to Suit Specific Needs

Process: Steps involved in designing items for specific purposes, considering functionality and aesthetics.

Evaluation Criteria: Standards for assessing the quality and suitability of finished basketry items.

Sustainable Development of Basketry

Sustainable Practices: Strategies for sourcing materials responsibly and minimizing environmental impact.

Industry Challenges: Identifying issues like competition from synthetic products and finding solutions such as forming cooperatives.

Decoration and Finishing

Decoration Techniques: Methods for enhancing the visual appeal of basketry items, such as using colored weavers or adding complementary objects.

Finishing Processes: Steps to complete the basketry item, ensuring durability and aesthetic quality.

Entrepreneurial Skills in Practice

Portfolio Development: Building a collection of work to showcase skills and attract clients or employers.

Business Plan: Creating a detailed plan for starting and running a basketry business, including financial, operational, and marketing strategies.

Exhibition and Promotion: Organizing and participating in exhibitions, using various promotional methods to reach potential customers.

Packaging and Handling

Importance of Packaging: Protecting products and enhancing their marketability.

Types of Packaging: Differentiating between primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.

Costing and Pricing: Understanding the factors that influence pricing, including material costs and labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key areas covered in the WAEC Basketry syllabus?

The WAEC Basketry syllabus includes the historical development, socio-economic importance, creative design, practical skills in making and finishing basketry items, and entrepreneurial skills for establishing a basketry business.

What is the structure of the WAEC Basketry examination?

The examination consists of three papers: Paper 1 (40 multiple-choice questions), Paper 2 (six essay questions, answer four), and Paper 3 (project work executed over five days with practical tasks).

How can I prepare for the practical project work in Paper 3?

Preparation involves practicing various basketry techniques, understanding design principles, and creating preliminary sketches. Candidates will receive the project question two weeks prior to the exam to plan and prepare effectively.

Conclusion

The WAEC Basketry syllabus is comprehensive, covering historical, cultural, and technical aspects of basketry. It equips students with essential skills for creating high-quality basketry items and provides a foundation for further education and employment. Mastery of the syllabus content prepares students to excel in their examinations and pursue successful careers in basketry and related fields.