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GCSE Design and Technology

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

Within this subject pupils can choose to specialise in one of the following areas:

  • Product Design
  • Graphics
  • Textiles

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

Our students become creative, independent problem solvers and more informed members of our cultural society.

The Design and Technology GCSE allows students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth. These material areas include:

  • Timbers and manufactured boards (including use of the laser cutter)
  • Plastics (including use of the laser cutter and 3D printers)
  • Paper and card (including use of the laser cutter)
  • Textiles

What's assessed?

Non Exam Assessment (NEA) = 50% of GCSE, 100 marks

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 (2hour written exam) = 50% of GCSE, 100 marks

Exam consists of:

Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks)

  • new and emerging technologies
  • energy generation and storage
  • developments in new materials
  • systems approach to designing
  • mechanical devices
  • materials and their working properties.

Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks)

  • selection of materials or components
  • forces and stresses
  • ecological and social footprint
  • sources and origins
  • using and working with materials
  • stock forms, types and sizes
  • scales of production
  • specialist techniques and processes
  • surface treatments and finishes

Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks)

  • investigation, primary and secondary data
  • environmental, social and economic challenge
  • the work of other artists and designers/companies
  • design strategies
  • communication of design ideas
  • prototype development
  • selection of materials and components
  • tolerances
  • material management
  • specialist tools and equipment
  • specialist techniques and processes.