Are you one of the students writing the upcoming WAEC Examination, if yes… here is The WAEC Basketry Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks official curriculum developed by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to guide students preparing for the Basketry examination. Basketry is a vocational and creative subject that blends art, culture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship, making it a valuable course for students interested in creative industries, small-scale manufacturing, and self-employment.
OVERVIEW OF WAEC Basketry Syllabus 2026/2027 | Recommended Textbooks
This WAEC Basketry syllabus for 2026/2027 covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including the history and socio-cultural relevance of basketry, design principles, material preparation, production techniques, finishing methods, and business management. Basketry is the craft of producing items by weaving, plaiting, coiling, or interlacing flexible materials, Candidates are assessed through written examinations and a practical project that tests creativity, skill, and technical understanding.
In this detailed guide, you will find:
The aims and objectives of WAEC Basketry
WAEC Basketry examination structure for 2026/2027
A complete breakdown of the syllabus topics
Practical and entrepreneurial skills expected of candidates
How the subject supports career development and self-reliance
WAEC Basketry Syllabus 2026/2027
Aims and Objectives of 2026/2027 WAEC Basketry Syllabus
The WAEC Basketry syllabus 2026/2027 is designed to equip candidates with both creative competence and practical business skills. The main objectives include:
Enabling candidates to understand the historical development of basketry and its social, cultural, and economic importance
Developing creative and manipulative skills required for designing and producing various basketry items
Encouraging the use of traditional and cultural influences in modern basketry designs
Building knowledge on how to plan, establish, and manage a sustainable small-scale basketry business
Training candidates to appreciate, evaluate, and critique basketry products based on quality, functionality, and aesthetics.
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2026/2027 WAEC Basketry Examination Guidelines
The WAEC Basketry examination consists of three compulsory papers. Candidates must take all papers to qualify for grading
Paper 1: Objective Test
Duration: 50 minutes
Marks: 40
Paper 1 contains 40 multiple-choice questions that test candidates’ understanding of:
Basketry concepts and definitions
Materials and tools
Design elements and principles
Cultural and economic relevance of basketry
Safety and material preparation
Paper 2: Essay Paper
Duration: 2 hours
Marks: 60
Paper 2 consists of six essay-type questions, out of which candidates are required to answer any four. This paper assesses:
Theoretical knowledge of basketry
Ability to explain processes and techniques
Understanding of design concepts and entrepreneurship
Paper 3: Practical Project
Duration: 5 days (6 hours per day)
Marks: 100
Paper 3 involves two practical projects, from which candidates execute one.
Question papers are issued two weeks before execution
Candidates prepare design sketches and notes during this period
Practical execution carries 80 marks
Sketches and preparatory notes carry 20 marks
This paper tests creativity, technical skill, material handling, finishing, and overall workmanship.
Overview of the WAEC Basketry Subject
Basketry as a WAEC subject involves the study of:
Historical development of basketry
Socio-cultural and economic importance
Preparation, care, and use of materials
Techniques for producing functional and decorative articles
Entrepreneurship and business management in basketry
Candidates are expected to apply knowledge creatively while demonstrating practical competence.
WAEC Basketry Syllabus 2026/2027 (Detailed Breakdown)
1. Meaning and Scope of Basketry
Basketry is the craft of producing items by weaving, plaiting, coiling, or interlacing flexible materials.
Scope includes:
Coiled basketry
Woven articles
Framework construction
Macramé techniques
Common Basketry Products:
Baskets
Hats
Mats
Nets
Footwear
Cots
Decorative items
Techniques Used:
Weaving
Plaiting
Coiling
Stitching
Knotting
Construction methods
Basketry may also involve combining materials such as cowries, gourds, beads, and fibers to enhance creativity.
2. Rationale for Studying Basketry
Studying basketry:
Encourages creative use of local and modern materials
Promotes skills acquisition for employment and entrepreneurship
Supports cultural heritage preservation
Contributes to tourism development
Prepares candidates for further education in arts and crafts
3. History, Social, Cultural, and Economic Importance
History:
Basketry is one of the oldest crafts practiced by early communities for storage, transportation, and domestic use.
Social Importance:
Basketry serves as a means of communication, decoration, and social expression.
Cultural Importance:
Basketry plays a key role in festivals, rituals, ceremonies, and cultural identity.
Economic Importance:
Basketry supports agriculture, trade, commerce, and small-scale industries, creating income opportunities.
4. Places, People, and Basketry
This topic explores how specific regions and individuals have contributed to the development of basketry techniques, styles, and traditions, helping to preserve indigenous knowledge.
5. Competencies and Attitudes
Basketry education develops:
Creative thinking and innovation
Manual dexterity and craftsmanship
Positive work attitudes such as honesty, patience, and diligence
Communication and time management skills
Entrepreneurial mindset for self-reliance
6. Preparation of Materials
Candidates learn how to prepare raw materials for use.
Key Processes:
Drying
Wetting
Softening
Treating materials
Storage and Care:
Chemical and non-chemical preservation methods
Sustainability:
Conservation of raw material sources
Prevention of bush burning
Eco-friendly harvesting
Understanding material characteristics helps determine appropriate use.
7. Tools and Their Uses
Categories of Tools:
Cutting tools
Weaving tools
Shaping tools
Measuring tools
Finishing tools
Candidates must:
Identify and label tools
Understand their functions
Improvise tools when necessary
Practice proper care and maintenance
Observe safety precautions
8. Elements of Design
Design elements include:
Dot
Line
Shape
Form
Color
Texture
Candidates learn to express these elements through weaving, knotting, coiling, and waling techniques.
Color Studies Include:
12-point color wheel
Ghanaian color concepts
Symbolism of colors
9. Principles of Design
Principles include:
Unity
Balance
Proportion
Repetition
Contrast
Rhythm
Candidates apply these principles using techniques such as weaving variations, spraying, and scorching.
10. Basic Design and Technology
This section focuses on:
Definition and importance of design
Idea generation from memory, imagination, and observation
Use of tools, materials, and techniques to create functional products
11. Designing Articles to Suit Specific Needs
Candidates learn to design products manually or digitally using techniques such as:
Weaving
Knotting
Plaiting
Coiling
Stitching
Framing
Evaluation is based on:
Material selection
Color harmony
Technique
Finishing quality
12. Sustainable Development of Basketry
Topics include:
Re-afforestation
Waste management
Eco-friendly material sourcing
Challenges like plastic competition
Solutions such as innovation and cooperative formation
13. Decoration and Finishing
Decoration: Enhancing surface appearance
Finishing: Improving durability and aesthetics
Techniques Include:
Wrapping
Binding
Trimming
Sanding
Varnishing
Lacquering
Embroidering
Sealing and bordering
14. Entrepreneurial Skills in Practice
Candidates develop portfolios using:
Photographs
Prints
Videos of completed works
15. Business Plan and Business Management
Business Plan:
Meaning and purpose
Steps in organization
Capital sourcing
Market survey
Location and registration
Business Promotion:
Advertising through media
Customer relations
Innovation
16. Packaging, Costing, and Pricing
Packaging:
Protects products
Improves market appeal
Prevents damage
Costing and Pricing:
Variable costs (materials, labor)
Fixed costs (rent, tools)
Ensures profitability and sustainability
Conclusion
The WAEC Basketry Syllabus 2026/2027 equips candidates with valuable creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills. With the right preparation, students can excel in the examination and build a foundation for careers in crafts, design, cultural industries, and small-scale manufacturing. Although the Recommended Textbooks is not yet out, Candidates are urged to always visit the Official WAEC E-Learning Portal https://www.waecnigeria.org/ for Updated Information. We wish you Goodluck as you prepare for the Examination, Cheers!!
