Introduction

The GCSE Design and Technology qualification supports learners to:

• understand the modern technologies, materials and practices used to create products and solutions that meet the needs and wants of users

• analyse and be inspired by existing products that inform the design and production of practical solutions which target end users and markets

• recognise the underlying technical principle, skills and knowledge that apply in chosen design pathways

• appreciate the importance of creativity, craftsmanship and innovation, applied throughout iterative design practices, in the design and creation of new products

• appreciate the factors that affect the needs and wants of users and how iterative design processes focus on meeting these to produce effective products

• describe ways in which design outcomes can have environmental and societal impacts that can be local, national and international

• use their knowledge, skills and understanding to influence their own decision when making and evaluating a product or prototype.

Course content

Core Knowledge and Understanding of Design and Technology in the 21st Century. This area of study is relevant to all learners. In this section, learners will gain knowledge and understanding of:

New and emerging technologies
Modern and smart materials
Sustainable design
Energy storage and renewability
Contemporary design thinking; historical and cultural influences

Engineering Design in the 21st Century. This area of study is relevant to learners that have chosen Engineering Design as their pathway. In this area of study, learners will gain knowledge and understanding of:

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers
Modern, smart and emerging materials and technology
Electronic and control systems
Forces and movement
Surface finishes and treatments
Stock forms of materials and components
Engineering manufacture and industry

Assessment

Unit 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century Digital examination:

1 hour 30 minutes 30% of qualification 80 marks

Summary of assessment Questions requiring objective responses, short and extended answers assessing learners’ knowledge and understanding of the core aspects of design and technology and Engineering Design.

Unit 2: Design Project Non-examination assessment:

Approximately 40 hours 70% of qualification 100 marks

Summary of assessment a sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by WJEC for Engineering Design, assessing learners’ ability to:

identify, investigate, analyse and outline design possibilities
design and make prototypes and evaluate their fitness for purpose.

Examining body

School contact

Mr Lee Thomas

🔗 Rhestr Cyrsiau

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