Pathways Guide 2024 - Flipbook - Page 20
Design Technology GCSE
What we aim to achieve
How will I be assessed?
Design and Technology GCSE builds on the skills,
materials and processes developed in DT through
Years 7 to 9 with the exception of Food (see
Hospitality & Catering). The traditional individual
subjects of Resistant Materials, Textiles Graphics
and Systems finally combine together for an
exciting approach to product design. The course
builds in your knowledge of Mathematics and
Science to meet the balance of how a product
appears and how a product works.
Design and Technology GCSE is assessed by two
units. It is graded in the 9-1 GCSE format.
Design and Technology will help you to:
• Develop the skills to critique and refine your own
ideas whilst designing and making
• Develop realistic design proposals by exploring
design opportunities as well as the needs, wants
and values of the user
• Use your imagination, experimentation and
combine ideas when designing
• Develop your decision making skills, including
the planning and organisation of time and
resources when managing their own project
work
• Develop a broad knowledge of materials,
components and technologies
• Develop your practical skills to develop high
quality, imaginative and functional prototypes
• Demonstrate safe working practices in design
and technology
Course outline
You will be studying the AQA GCSE Design and
Technology course. This GCSE allows you to study
core technical, designing and making principles,
including a broad range of design processes,
materials techniques and equipment. You will also
have the opportunity to learn about wood, metals,
polymers, textiles, boards, electronics, systems
and mechanics in a holistic view to product design.
Later, you will specialise in your chosen material.
• Unit 1 - Written Paper (50% of the mark)
You will be examined on core technical principles,
specialist technical principles and designing and
making principles. There are a range of questions
from multiple choice to drawing.
• Unit 2 - Contextual Challenge (50% of the mark)
You will need to complete a coursework
project based on a brief, known as the contextual
challenge. You will start by exploring the
challenge and investigating into possible
outcomes (this is a product that you will
manufacture). You will have to create a brief
specification along with design ideas (you do not
have to be great at drawing) and experimentation
into how you could make it. Finishing with you
testing and evaluating how well it works.
What skills do I need?
DT GCSE involves research, design, planning and
working with a wide range of materials. By the very
nature of designing and making, you should have
a passion for creativity, problem solving, working
with materials and quality. DT GCSE would appeal
to those who like originating new ideas, forming
technically drawn solutions, working within a
practical environment and producing high quality
products. There is a significant level of written
coursework so you will also need to be hard
working, prepared to persevere and be consistent.
You will of course need to be passionate about
developing products, work to strict deadlines and
adhere to expectations of health and safety.
