Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Technical specifications may relate to:
cost of production
durability and strength
how and where the item is to be viewed, placed or used
need for models or maquettes
number and size of items to be produced
type of material to be used.
Creative parameters may relate to:
extent to which the design may be adjusted during production
ideas and messages to be communicated
flexibility around use of materials
location for the work.
Relevant people may include:
artists
designers
mentors
peers
stone or wood experts
teachers
tradespeople.
Characteristics may relate to:
colour
ease of carving
direction of the bed
grain
durability
natural patterns within the material
shape
suitability of location for the work.
Carving tools may include:
angle grinders
chisels:
flat
pointed
round ended
tooth
splitting
drills
hammers
rasps
rifflers
veiners.
Equipment may include:
bankers or benches
fixed machinery
lifting equipment.
Materials may include:
stone:
metamorphic
igneous
sedimentary
wood:
hardwood
softwood.
Safety requirements may relate to:
personal protective equipment (PPE), such as:
dust masks
ear plugs
safety glasses
use of chemicals
use of gas
use of tools
work space set-up.
Carving techniques may include:
chip
flat plane (for wood)
relief.
Technical and design challenges may relate to:
aesthetic appeal
elements and principles of design
holes and cracks
joining challenges
strength and durability
time for production
unwanted marks or blemishes and how to remove them
ways to turn faults into creative opportunities.
Finishing techniques may include use of:
oxides
polishing
resins
sanding
varnishes
wax.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
carve multiple artistic or functional pieces that demonstrate independent technical proficiency in carving technique and meet creative objectives for the work
select materials that maximise opportunity to meet design objectives
apply safe work practices with carving equipment and materials.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to carving materials, tools and equipment
a work space in which items can be constructed safely.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of the candidate using carving techniques
evaluation of carved items made by the candidate
questioning and discussion about candidate’s work processes and intentions
review of portfolios of evidence
review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.
Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUVSCU501A Refine sculptural techniques.