Design and Technology

 

 

GCSE Design and Technology

This GCSE is a creative and practical subject where students design and make products to solve real-world problems. It encourages innovation, creativity and problem-solving, while developing practical skills that can be used in many careers.

Students can choose a specialist pathway to suit their interests:

  • Engineering Design
  • Fashion and Textiles
  • Product Design

What will students learn?

Students study both core design knowledge and their chosen specialism.

Core learning (all students)

Students will:

  • Learn how products are designed to meet people’s needs
  • Explore modern technologies, materials and manufacturing methods
  • Understand sustainability and environmental impact
  • Analyse existing products and how they are made
  • Develop creativity and innovation in design

Specialist pathway

Students focus on one area:

  • Engineering Design – materials, electronics, systems and manufacturing
  • Fashion and Textiles – fabrics, garment construction and fashion design
  • Product Design – woods, metals, plastics and product manufacture

How is the course assessed?

  • 70% coursework (Design Project)
    A major project where students design and make a prototype product
    Completed over approximately 40 hours
  • 30% exam
    A 1 hour 30 minute on-screen exam covering design knowledge and the chosen pathway

The Design Project

Students will:

  • Identify a real-life problem
  • Research and develop ideas
  • Create designs and test them
  • Make a high-quality prototype
  • Evaluate and improve their work

This is the main part of the course and allows students to show their creativity and practical skills.

Skills students will develop

This course helps students build important life and career skills, including:

  • Creativity and innovation
  • Practical making skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Research and analysis
  • Evaluation and improvement
  • Safe use of tools, materials and equipment

Why choose Design & Technology?

This course is ideal for students who:

  • Enjoy practical, hands-on work
  • Like designing and creating things
  • Are interested in how products work and are made
  • Want to develop creative and technical skills

Progression

Students can progress to:

  • A Level Design & Technology
  • Engineering or creative courses
  • Apprenticeships in design, engineering or manufacturing
  • Careers in areas such as product design, fashion, engineering, architecture or technology

Key facts

  • Suitable for ages 14–16
  • Two-year GCSE course
  • Combines practical coursework with an exam
  • Strong focus on design, creativity and real-world problem solving