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Why should I choose GCSE Technology & Design?
This is a new two-year course, which provides young people with the opportunity to develop skills understanding and capability in
Technology and Design. It builds on the wide experience already gained at KS3 level.
How will I be assessed in this subject?
Coursework accounts for 50% of the GCSE exam. This is based on a design and make project completed during Year 12. This means that students can get most of the marks in their own time and be rewarded for work prepared at home and completed in class.
Written paper: 50% of the exam marks are in the form of a single written paper taken at the end of Year 12.
Specialist resources / Environment: St Malachy’s has one of the best equipped departments in the school.
The workshops and design rooms are purpose built, bright, lively and versatile.
Staff profile / Experience: Technology and Design teaching and technical staff are well qualified and experienced. Staff
have key insight into the course and they will be able to provide students with all the support needed to be successful.
What will I study?
Component 1
Component 1
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes
50% of the qualification 100 marks
Core content and Timber
The paper consists of two sections. Section A is assessed on the core content and Section B is assessed on the material category students have chosen.
Component 2
Component 2
Non-examined assessment
50% of the qualification 100 marks
There are four parts to the assessment:
1 – Investigate This includes investigation of needs and research, and a product specification
2 – Design This includes producing different design ideas, review of initial ideas, development of design ideas into a chosen design, communication of design ideas and review of the chosen design
3 – Make This includes manufacture, and quality and accuracy 4 – Evaluate This includes testing and evaluation.
What career pathways are available to me if I study this subject?
Students can progress to AS and A2 Technology & Design. The list of potential career opportunities linked with Technology and
Design is endless: Architecture, Computer technologies, Electronics industry, Civil engineering, Mechanical engineering,
Aeronautical engineering, Electrical engineering, Construction industry trades (joinery, plumbing etc.), Manufacturing industry,
Structural engineering, Interior design, Furniture design, Product design, Graphic design, Jewellery design, Building surveying,
Town and country planning, Quantity surveying, etc.
Previous students are currently studying or have completed degrees in the following: Mechanical Engineering, Quantity
Surveying, Law, 3-D Design, Textiles design, Fine Art, Dance, D&T teaching, Architecture, Environmental science, Product
Design etc
Extra curricular activities
If you choose GCSE Technology and Design, you may take part in the following activities;
CAD Workshops
Practical After School Sessions
Guest Speakers
Education Visits - Engineering Sites
STEM Workshops
Certificate for Over Achievers
Student Testimonials
Throughout my school life I had always enjoyed Design and Technology and knew I eventually wanted to pursue a career in engineering.
When choosing subjects to study for GCSE and A-Level it was clear that Design and Technology would provide me with a solid foundation to work towards a suitable degree that could ultimately lead to a job in my chosen field.
One of the key things that attracted me towards choosing Design and Technology was the combination of theory and practical study, including a large part of the qualification grade being built up of coursework which was completed throughout the year with final exams in the summer.
I found this to be a great advantage in being able to better manage my time across other subjects that I had selected which were more exam assessment based.
By studying GCSE Design and Technology and moving further onto A-Level, I felt well prepared to begin my degree studies at Queen’s University in Product Design and Development.
The combination of theory and practical work continued throughout my time at university and indeed many of the same basic process I still use today as part of my career in the international oil and gas industry.
Aiden Hardy – Regional Business Development Manager, STATS Group, Aberdeen UK
Design & Technology.mp4I was really pleased to be asked to say a few words about Technology and Design for the new students picking subjects for GCSE. I chose Technology and Design for both GCSE and A level as I have a real interest in the subject and have really enjoyed it in years 8 to 10. I am currently in year 13 and still love it as much as I did in year 8.
There is a great variety in activities in the subject. One minute you could be drawing and the next, in the workshop learning a new skill or technique. I really enjoyed the ‘hands on’ part of the subject and feel that I have learnt more this way. I really enjoy the freedom of designing something new.
In a recent project, we were asked to design a piece of equipment for a primary school that can be used for recreation. I chose to design and build a structure that was a basketball hoop that could also change into other games.
Last year was tricky with COVID-19 and school essentially finishing early but I still went ahead and completed the project as I enjoyed it so much.
Technology and design have helped me in choosing my career path for the future. I know that I love designing new ideas and turning them into something that others can also enjoy. I have so much more knowledge in the subject but still learn new things every day. The teachers have been a great support both in the classroom and online with home-schooling.
Finn, Year 12
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