GCSE Design and Technology

Exam Board: To be decided

Overview

This course has been designed to encourage candidates to be able to design and make products with creativity and originality using a range of materials and techniques. A working knowledge of woods, metals, plastics and composite materials will be required, but other materials may be used in addition. Candidates will be expected to develop an awareness of the need to consider sustainability and the environmental impact of their designing.

Assessment of Work

Unit I – Written paper (40%) is in two parts (2 hours). Section A – (1 hour) is made up of four questions of a general nature related to the world. Section B – (1 hour) is again four questions but focused on the resistant materials specification. All questions are compulsory.

Unit II – Coursework (60%) involves one substantial project using resistant materials such as wood, metal and plastic. The Boards offer a range of tasks which are very general in nature and candidates will select one of these as the basis for a more specific design brief. The Resistant Materials task is split into two parts:

- Part A involves producing a design folder for which candidates have to produce a brief, specification, ideas and a fully worked out solution.

- Part B involves planning the making process, carrying out the making and evaluating the project. Total time allowed is approximately 40 hours.

Further study

Design and technology can be studied at AS and A Level. Students wanting to do DT at A level do not necessarily have to have done DT GCSE. However, good grades in Art are expected.

Please click here to view the photogallery of some previous GCSE Projects.