GCSE Design and Technology

Studying design and technology builds the understanding and confidence needed to participate creatively and successfully in a world that relies on intelligent design and technological solutions.

This new GCSE Design and Technology empowers learners to explore and develop creative solutions to authentic problems. Learners will understand how design and technology developments shape modern life and allow us to find sustainable ways to respond to the challenges and issues our society faces.

Learners will choose their own area of study – engineering design, fashion and textiles, or product design – to design and create products that meet the needs and wants of users.

What pathways will be available to learners?

Learners will select from one of three available pathways:

  • Engineering design

  • Fashion and textiles

  • Product design.

What will learners be assessed on? 

  • Demonstrating and applying knowledge and understanding of the principles, materials, tools and techniques used widely in design and technology, both in general and within the chosen pathway.

  • Developing designs and tangible products in response to a brief or specification, or to solve identified problems.

  • Analysing and evaluating products and solutions in a range of design and technology contexts.

How will learners be assessed? 

  • Design project (70%) structured around the application of design-thinking and iterative processes. Learners will choose from a range of contexts/briefs provided by the awarding body to create a tangible prototype of a product or a solution to a problem.  This will be marked by teachers and moderated by the awarding body.

  • Exam (30%) assessing knowledge and understanding of design and technology, including content related to a learner’s chosen pathway.  

For more details on the purpose and aims, content and assessment arrangements of this qualification, please read the full design proposal. 

We also have a Youth Friendly version for you to access.

Studying design and technology builds the understanding and confidence needed to participate creatively and successfully in a world that relies on intelligent design and technological solutions.

This new GCSE Design and Technology empowers learners to explore and develop creative solutions to authentic problems. Learners will understand how design and technology developments shape modern life and allow us to find sustainable ways to respond to the challenges and issues our society faces.

Learners will choose their own area of study – engineering design, fashion and textiles, or product design – to design and create products that meet the needs and wants of users.

What pathways will be available to learners?

Learners will select from one of three available pathways:

  • Engineering design

  • Fashion and textiles

  • Product design.

What will learners be assessed on? 

  • Demonstrating and applying knowledge and understanding of the principles, materials, tools and techniques used widely in design and technology, both in general and within the chosen pathway.

  • Developing designs and tangible products in response to a brief or specification, or to solve identified problems.

  • Analysing and evaluating products and solutions in a range of design and technology contexts.

How will learners be assessed? 

  • Design project (70%) structured around the application of design-thinking and iterative processes. Learners will choose from a range of contexts/briefs provided by the awarding body to create a tangible prototype of a product or a solution to a problem.  This will be marked by teachers and moderated by the awarding body.

  • Exam (30%) assessing knowledge and understanding of design and technology, including content related to a learner’s chosen pathway.  

For more details on the purpose and aims, content and assessment arrangements of this qualification, please read the full design proposal. 

We also have a Youth Friendly version for you to access.

Page last updated: 14 Dec 2023, 02:30 PM