Design and Technology
GCSE
Assessment Overview
Non-exam assessment (NEA): 50%
30–35 hours approx
100 marks
Theory Exam: 50% - 2hrs
Section A - Core technical principles (20 marks)
Section B - Specialist technical principles (30 marks)
Section C - Designing and making principles (50 marks)
Key Information & Topics
Entry requirements
We ask that you are aiming to achieve a level 5 or above in Maths and Science to take this subject, due to the heavy high-level content that is involved in the theory exam.
Non-exam assessment
The Non-exam assessment will contribute towards 50% of the student’s overall mark. The NEA project in its entirety should take between 30–35 hours to complete and consist of a working prototype and a concise portfolio of approximately 20 pages of A3 paper. Students' work should consist of an investigation into a contextual challenge, defining the needs and wants of the user and include relevant research to produce a design brief and specification. Students should generate design ideas with flair and creativity and develop these to create a final design solution (including modelling). A manufacturing specification should be produced to conclude your design findings leading into the realisation of a final prototype that is fit for purpose and a final evaluation. Students should investigate, analyse and evaluate throughout the portfolio and evidence all decisions made - The Contextual challenges are released on the 1st June of Year 10.
Exam paper assessment - May of Year 11
What's assessed
• Core technical principles
• Specialist technical principles
• Designing and making principles
In addition:
• at least 15% of the exam will assess maths
• at least 10% of the exam will assess science
How it's assessed
Written exam:
• 2 hours
• 100 marks
• 50% of GCSE
Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks).
A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding.
Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks) Several short answer questions (2–5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in-depth knowledge of technical principles.
Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks).
A mixture of short answer and extended response questions.
Introduction to the Course Year 9 Options (1)D&T.pptx - Google Slides.webmCareer & Further Study Information
Progression from this Qualification
IB DP design technology aims to develop internationally-minded people whose enhanced understanding of design and the technological world can facilitate our shared guardianship of the planet and create a better world.
It focuses on analysis, design development, synthesis and evaluation. The creative tension between theory and practice is what characterizes design technology within the DP sciences subject group.
DP design technology achieves a high level of design literacy by enabling students to develop critical-thinking and design skills.