Key Stage 4
Subject: GCSE Design & Technology
GCSE Examination Board: AQA
Assessment Overview: Written Exam – 50% – Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA) – 50%
What will I learn?
For years 10 & 11, a term by term list of what topics will be learned and how the knowledge will be assessed/ measured. Use the table template below.
| Year | What will I learn? | Assessment |
| 10 | GCSE Design & Technology is a creative and practical subject that teaches students how real products are designed, developed, and made. It combines imaginative thinking with technical understanding and hands‑on making skills, preparing students for a world where design, innovation, and problem‑solving are essential.
At our school, students can choose between two different GCSE D&T specialisms: Graphic Products and Electronics.
Both follow the AQA Design & Technology specification, but each specialism develops different practical skills, uses different equipment, and focuses on different types of product.
All students learn the fundamental principles of design and technology, including: Properties and uses of materials (papers, boards, polymers, metals, timbers, textiles) Mechanical and electronic systems New and emerging technologies Sustainability, environmental impact, and responsible design How products are developed for different users and markets
This core knowledge is assessed in the written exam and underpins both specialisms.
The Two Specialisms We Offer;
Graphic Products Students focus on: Designing and modelling using card, paper, foam board, and plastics Visual communication, layout, typography, and branding CAD software for 2D and 3D design Prototyping techniques such as laser cutting and model‑making Creating packaging, promotional materials, and product concepts
Electronics Students focus on: Understanding electronic components and circuits Designing and building functioning electronic systems Programming microcontrollers Soldering, PCB design, and testing circuits Combining electronics with casings, housings, or mechanical elements
Year 10 is mainly focused on theory and skill development. Students learn: The core technical content required for the written exam Specialist knowledge linked to their chosen pathway Designing, modelling, and making skills How to use workshop tools, digital software, and manufacturing equipment safely and confidently
Students complete smaller design-and-make tasks to prepare them for the major project in Year 11.
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This core knowledge is assessed in the written exam and underpins both specialisms of Graphic products and Electronics.
Assessments of the Core knowledge is assessed throughout Yr 10. |
| 11 | Year 11 is centred around the Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA), which is worth 50% of the GCSE. Students:
Choose a design brief from AQA Research, investigate, and analyse the design context Develop and refine design ideas Create a high‑quality prototype Evaluate their final outcome
Once the NEA is completed, lessons shift back to exam preparation, revising theory and practising exam-style questions. Non Exam Assessment (NEA) – 50% of their exam grade.
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1. Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA) – 50%
A substantial design-and-make project completed in Year 11. Students demonstrate creativity, independence, and technical skill
2. Written Exam – 50% A 2 hour exam testing: Core technical knowledge Designing and making principles Application of skills to real world scenarios |
How you can support your child’s progress
Show interest in their design ideas, Support organisation and deadlines, encourage safe, independent practical work, for example, students in Graphics or Electronics may want to practise skills at home, for example, Graphics students might sketch, model with card, or practise CAD and Electronics students might experiment with simple circuits or coding. Support digital skills and research, using CAD software.
In addition please encourage your child to attend our ‘get ahead and excel sessions’ which are held outside timetabled hours and enable our students to finish their projects before the deadline.
