Resistant Materials

Design and
technology
GCSE subject content

November 2015

Contents
The content for design and technology GCSE

3

Introduction

3

Aims and objectives

4

Subject content

5

Technical principles

5

Designing and making principles

7

Appendix 1

9

Links to mathematics and science

9

Links to mathematics

9

Links to science

10

Appendix 2

12

Contextual challenges

12

2

The content for design and technology GCSE
Introduction
1.
The GCSE subject content sets out the knowledge, understanding, skills and
educational outcomes common to all specifications in design and technology.
2.
The GCSE specifications in design and technology should enable students to
understand and apply iterative design processes through which they explore, create and
evaluate a range of outcomes. They should enable students to use creativity and
imagination to design and make prototypes 1 (together with evidence of modelling to
develop and prove product concept and function) that solve real and relevant problems,
considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. GCSE specifications should
also provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge from other disciplines, including
mathematics, science, art and design, computing and the humanities.
3.
Students should acquire subject knowledge in design and technology that builds on
key stage 3, incorporating knowledge and understanding of different materials and
manufacturing processes in order to design and make, with confidence, prototypes in
response to issues, needs, problems and opportunities. Students should learn how to take
design risks, helping them to become resourceful, innovative and enterprising citizens.
They should develop an awareness of practices from the creative, engineering and
manufacturing industries. Through the critique of the outcomes of design and technology
activity, both historic and present day, students should develop...