GCSE Design and Technology
What is GCSE Design and Technology?
GCSE Design and Technology (AQA) is a creative and practical subject that allows students to design, make and evaluate products that solve real-world problems. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors, along with learning about materials, manufacturing processes and modern technologies, and apply knowledge to produce innovative design solutions. The course combines creativity, problem-solving, technical knowledge and practical skills, while building confidence to create and present their creative ideas.
Students can opt to follow one of two paths:
- Graphic Products – Paper, Card and Board
- Resistant Materials – Timbers, Polymers and Metals
What will I be doing?
Throughout the course you will:
- Investigate and analyse existing products and the work of professional designers
- Develop design ideas through sketching, modelling and CAD (computer-aided design)
- Learn how to safely use a range of tools, equipment and materials
- Make high-quality prototypes or products
- Test, evaluate and refine your designs based on user needs
- Study core technical principles such as materials, electronics, mechanisms, sustainability and manufacturing techniques
You will work on both practical tasks and theory-based learning, building confidence and independence as a designer.
Unit Overview
The overall GCSE is split into two key areas. A written examination at the end of year 11 and a Non-Exam Assessment NEA (coursework) that takes place throughout year 11.
Component 1: Written Examination (50% – 2 hour exam)
The written exam is divided into three key sections:
1. Core Technical Principles
In order to make effective design choices students will need a breadth of core technical knowledge and understanding that consists of:
- New and emerging technologies
- Energy generation and storage
- Developments in new materials
- Systems approach to designing
- Mechanical devices
- Materials and their working properties.
2. Specialist Technical Principles
In addition to the core technical principles, all students should develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the following specialist technical principles:
- Selection of materials or components
- Forces and stresses
- Ecological and social footprint
- Sources and origins
- Using and working with materials
- Stock forms, types and sizes
- Scales of production
- Specialist techniques and processes
- Surface treatments and finishes
3. Designing and Making Principles
Students should understand how the prototypes they develop must satisfy wants or needs and be fit for their intended user. They will demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of designing and making principles in relation to the following areas:
- Investigation, primary and secondary data
- Environmental, social and economic challenge
- The work of others
- Design strategies
- Communication of design ideas
- Prototype development
- Selection of materials and components
- Tolerances
- Material management
- Specialist tools and equipment
- Specialist techniques and processes.
Component 2: Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) (50%- approximately 35 hours)
Students respond to a contextual challenge, set by AQA, to complete a substantial design and make project focused around the needs and wants on an actual client. This comprises of a portfolio of work including research, creating a brief and specification, designing, development, leading to the manufacture of a unique prototype/product and concluding with an honest and thoughtful evaluation. The coursework will be focused around the chosen material area whether this be graphic products or timbers, polymers and metals.
Why choose Design and Technology?
You should choose GCSE Design and Technology if you:
- Enjoy being creative and practical.
- Like solving problems and thinking about how things work.
- Are interested in design, manufacture or modern technology.
- Want a subject that combines hands-on making with academic learning.
- Enjoy seeing ideas develop from initial concepts to finished products.
It is a rewarding subject that encourages originality and prepares you for further study and employment.
Transferrable Skills
Design and Technology helps you develop skills that are valuable in many subjects and careers, including:
- Creative thinking and innovation
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Time management and organisation
- Communication and presentation skills
- Teamwork and independent working
- Digital skills, including CAD and design software
- Resilience and the ability to respond to feedback
These skills are highly valued by colleges, employers and universities.
Routes to Employment and Post 16 Courses
GCSE Design and Technology provides a strong foundation for:
Post 16 Courses
- A Level Design and Technology – This course is taught at Fernwood School through Bilborough College
- T Levels in Design, Engineering or Manufacturing
- BTEC and vocational courses
Employment & Training
- Apprenticeships in engineering, manufacturing, construction and creative industries
- Manufacturing apprenticeships
- Traineeships in technical and industrial sectors
- Entry-level roles in workshops or production environments
The subject supports progression into both academic and vocational pathways.
Possible Career Paths
Studying Design and Technology can lead to a wide range of careers and endless possibilities. The following are just some examples of possible careers:
- Product Designer
- Engineer (mechanical, electrical, civil or design)
- Architect or Architectural Technician
- Graphic or Industrial Designer
- Fashion or Textile Designer
- Furniture Designer or Maker
- Construction Manager or Surveyor
- Set Designer
- CAD Technician
- Manufacturing or Production Manager
- Skilled trades and technical apprenticeships
Design and Technology opens doors to creative, technical and practical careers in a rapidly developing world.
FAQs
what equipment and machinery does the department have?
The Design & Technology department is extremely well facilitated. We have three workshops and three dedicated graphics suites. Within the workshops we have a range of machinery including pillar drills, hearths, belt sanders, as well as more advanced machines that your child will learn to use throughout their time in KS4. Each workshop is also fitted with a range of hand tools. We have three FDM 3D printers and now also a 3D resin printer. Fernwood incorporates computer numerically controlled manufacturing into some of our projects, and to support this we have a CNC router, CNC milling machine, and CNC lathe, as well as a large-bed laser cutter.
what equipment will my child need?
We recommend that all pupils, on top of their standard school equipment, have a good set of colouring pencils, a pair of thick and thin drawing pens, an A3 sketchbook, and the means to transport it. As a department, we provide pupils with theory note books and key materials in order to complete their year 10 project work. Whilst in lessons, your child will also have access to a wide range of industry standard software and equipment and machinery that will be used throughout their time in Design & Technology.
how much practical is involved?
As this is an academic course, there is a large element of theory which must be taught and understood. We do our best to introduce this in a practical method as much as is possible, but you will still have around a third of your time as focussed theory sessions. Around a third is then spent on practical design activity (drawing, designing, modelling in card/foam etc.) and the finally the last third is on practical construction or CAD/CAM.
what's the difference between graphic design and product design?
Both courses are the same in terms of the exam and final qualification. We do however have the option to bias the courses slightly by material areas, meaning that although both cohorts will study the same knowledge, skills and theory, each will have a deeper knowledge in specific areas. Graphic Design – more focus on packaging, card, paper, CAD, and graphic elements, BUT you will also look at woods, plastics etc. Product Design – more focus on how things work/move, woods, CNC, CAD, BUT you will also look at graphical elements too.
are there any extra-curricular activities my child can be involved with in design & technology?
We usually enter Formula 24 annually, which is a national competition for electrically powered racing cars. We have two chassis, and alternate a new build by year group when finances allow (sponsorship always welcome!). We restrict student participants to those studying KS4 D&T or Engineering. We hope to also launch a 3D printed drone racing club next year too.
do we go on any trips?
Over the last three years we have been to the Design Museum in London, the Triumph Car Factory, and were due to visit JCB this year. We endeavour to organise an annual trip for both year 10 and 11, that supports their learning, and gives a real world insight into areas that are impossible from within the classroom. We also aim to get in outside speakers in from industry, along with physical examples to bring learning to life. Last year we had an expert in 3D printing visit, with industrial applications of the process discussed. A few years before we were lucky enough for Sir Paul Smith to visit and discuss with pupils how his focus on detail, and precision manufacture influences his design processes.
what skills do i need to be successful?
D&T will require an element of creativity and inspiration in order to design products from scratch. You will need to have a desire to unpick how things work, and why they are as they are? There is an element of applied maths within the course. Half the course is marked on an NEA (coursework), and often we find organised pupils, who can work independently, tend to be far more successful in this part.
