Contact: Mr A Robinson

Email: [email protected]

Qualification Details

AQA GCSE Design and Technology

What you will study:

Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills in making high quality products using woods, metal and polymers (plastics). They will be expected to make a range of products, prototypes and samples, applying technical and practical expertise to ensure that the product is fit for purpose. They will have the opportunity to use traditional skills and modern technologies.

How you will be assessed:

Written exam: 2 hours

100 marks

50% of GCSE

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.

Non-exam assessment (NEA): 30–35 hours

100 marks

50% of GCSE

Substantial design and make task

Assessment criteria: Identifying and investigating design possibilities

Producing a design brief and specification

Generating design ideas

Developing design ideas

Students will produce a prototype and a portfolio of evidence

Work will be marked by teachers and moderated by AQA

Potential Post-16 progression:

• A level product Design
• Level 1 / 2 Engineering and innovation
• Level 1 / 2 Engineering and computer applications
• Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD CAM)
• Graphic Design

Potential Careers/Higher Education progression:

• Joiner / building profession, Quantity surveyor, Architect, Design and Technology Industry, Graphic Designer, Construction industry and Engineering