Design Technology

Design and Technology

Head of Department: Miss A Jones

Qualification Level and Examination Board: Level 1 and 2 GCSE Edexcel (Course code: 1DT0)

How is the course assessed?

Component 1:

• External examination, 1hour and 45 minutes = 50% of GCSE

  • Section A: Core content (40%)

  • Section B: A selected materials category (60%)         

Component 2:

• Design and Make Project (coursework) = 50% of GCSE

What is the content of the course?

Component 1 covers:

• The impact and influence of new and emerging technologies

• Energy generation and storage

• Modern and smart materials, composite materials and technical textiles

• Mechanical devices to transmit movement and force

• Electronic systems, including inputs, control devices and outputs

• Programmable components within electronics

• One materials topic from: Metals, Papers and boards, Polymers, Systems, Textiles or Timbers 

Component 2 covers the design and manufacturing process:

1. Investigate This includes 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 could I study Post-16?

• A Level Design & Technology (Product Design)

• City & Guilds Level 2 Engineering

• BTEC Level 3 Engineering

• Degrees from Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical etc.) to Architecture, Graphic Design and Publishing.

What possible careers could I have?

Locally Design & Technology skills and qualifications are highly valued by many local employers who value the analytical, practical and time management skills developed. Those students seeking apprenticeships will find employers especially keen for a technology qualification. 

Additional information

Maths skills are fundamental to Design and Technology. These skills will be embedded in the examination for this qualification.  Science skills, knowledge and understanding also underpin the theory and practice of Design and

Technology. These skills will also be embedded in the examination for this qualification. In addition to maths and science, the GCSE in Design and Technology embeds knowledge, techniques and practices from a wide range of subjects, including art and design, business, computer science and geography.