SL and HL courses share the core syllabus. Core syllabus component covers the following topics:

• human factors and ergonomics

• resource management and sustainable production

• modelling

• final product

• innovation and design

• classic design

Additional topics (HL students only)

• user-centred design (UCD)

• sustainability

• innovation and markets

• commercial production

Practical work

• Over the period of the course, all students (SL and HL) will work on teacher-directed activities, a Design Project and the Group 4 project.

For DT syllabus, click here.

• creative thinking and problem solving

• investigation, analysis, design, realisation and critical evaluation

• communication through the use of IT and graphical techniques

• making skills through working with materials, machinery and tools

• time management, organisation and planning

SL external assessment – 60%

• paper 1 (1 hour) – 30%

• 30 multiple choice questions on the core

• paper 2: (1 hour 30 minutes) – 30%

• section A: one data-based question and several short answer questions on the core (all compulsory)

• section B: one extended response question on the core (from a choice of three)

HL external assessment – 60%

• paper 1 (1 hour) – 20%

30 multiple choice questions on the core

• paper 2: (1 hour 30 minutes) – 20%

• section A: one data-based question and several short answer questions on the core (all compulsory)

• section B: one extended response question on the core (from a choice of three

• paper 3 (1 hour 30 minutes) – 20%

short-answer and extended response questions on the additional higher level topics (all compulsory) 

Internal assessment, Group 4 and Design Project – 40%

The internal assessment, Group 4 and Design Project are an integral part of the course and are compulsory for both SL and HL students. All enable students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge and to pursue their personal interests, without the time limitations and other constraints that are associated with written examinations. The internal assessments are woven into normal classroom teaching with a range of activities conducted through the course.

The internal assessment requirements at SL and at HL are different. The first four assessment criteria (A-D) are common between SL and HL, however, HL design projects have additional requirements, which are assessed using two additional criteria (E and F). Below are the assessments criterion for internal assessment.

• criterion A: Analysis of a design opportunity 

• criterion B: Conceptual design 

• criterion C: Development of a detailed design 

• criterion D: Testing and evaluation 

• criterion E: Detailed development of a commercial product 

• criterion F: Making choices for commercial production

Design Technology is an excellent preparation for tertiary level courses in engineering (such as structural, mechanical, aerospace, automotive, electrical and civil) , architecture, product design, industrial design and technology.