GCSE Design and Technology

Core technical principles

In order to make effective design choices students will need a breadth of core technical knowledge and understanding that consists of:

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

Specialist technical principles

In addition to the core technical principles, all students should develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the following specialist technical principles:

• • 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.

Designing and making principles

Students should know and understand that all design and technology activities take place within a wide range of contexts.

They should also understand how the prototypes they develop must satisfy wants or needs and be fit for their intended use. For example, the home, school, work or leisure. They will need to demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of designing and making principles in relation to the following areas:

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

Coursework

Coursework is set to a theme given by the examining board and completed under supervision. This work is internally assessed and externally moderated (50% of the final mark).

This element should be a reflection of 40 hours school-based work and should include evidence of a design folio and a manufactured product.

The controlled assessment project is set within a timed period and set to a theme by the Examination Board; we give you guidance as to what might be a suitable project. Past students have designed and made children’s toys, storage for cramped rooms, picnic equipment, aids for the disabled, furniture and items of jewellery.

Written examination (2 hours) – 50% of the final mark

All questions are compulsory and the answers are marked externally.

The examination tests ability to understand the design process. It assesses knowledge of the theory and techniques and an understanding of making, based on a range of materials.