This qualification follows the AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8522).

Within this subject pupils can choose to specialise in the two following areas;

•  Resistant Materials
•  Textiles

Design and Technology is a practical subject area which requires the application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them.

The distinction between Designing and Making is a convenient one to make, but in practice the two often merge. For example, research can involve not only investigating printed matter and people's opinions, but also investigating e.g. proportions, adhesives, colour, structures and materials through practical work.

This GCSE requires pupils to study a wide range of material outcomes and the opportunity to study a specialist technical principle in greater depth by choosing a material area they can specialise in. 

These material areas could include:

• Timbers and manufactured boards

• Metal

• Plastics

• Paper and card

• Concrete

• Textiles

These material areas can cover a broad range of design topics such as:

• Product designing in any material area to fulfil a contextual design challenge

• Mini projects on jewellery making

• Mini projects on casting and moulding in concrete.

• Fashion garments

What's assessed?

Non Exam Assessment (NEA) = 50% of GCSE

Pupils will be given a contextual design challenge in which they must develop their own design brief and context. Pupils must then apply their material knowledge and designing and making skills to develop and test a fully functional prototype that fulfils their design problem.  This will require pupils to conduct independent research, develop, design, manufacture and test their product with confidence.  The time allowed for NEA is 30-35 hours.

External Exam assessment = 50% of GCSE  Written exam = 2 hours

Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks)

A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding.

Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks)

Several short answer questions (2–5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in depth knowledge of technical principles.

Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks)

A mixture of short answer and extended response questions.