The GCSE Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum by Pearson (Edexcel) is designed to give students a broad and balanced understanding of the subject by combining creative design processes with technical and theoretical knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes the design process, the use of materials, and the application of new and emerging technologies.

Core Content Areas
The GCSE Design and Technology curriculum is divided into two major sections: core content that applies to all students, and a material category that students can specialize in.

Core Technical Principles
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of:

• New and Emerging Technologies: Impact of new technologies on production, society, and the environment.
• Energy Generation and Storage: How energy is produced and stored, and its influence on design choices.
• Developments in Modern and Smart Materials: Understanding materials like smart materials, composites, and nanomaterials.
• Systems Approach to Designing: Introduction to systems, inputs, processes, and outputs.
• Mechanical Devices: Movement principles, forces, and mechanisms like levers, cams, and gears.
• Materials and their Properties: Overview of a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, plastics, and textiles, and their properties.

Designing and Making Principles

• Investigation and Research: Understanding user needs, market research, design problems, and developing design briefs.
• Design Strategies: Techniques such as iterative design, user-centered design, and the role of collaboration and feedback.
• Prototype Development: Sketching, modelling, using CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and testing to refine ideas.
• Tools, Equipment, and Processes: Knowledge of tools and processes related to their chosen material focus, including safety.
• Design Communication: Techniques to present ideas effectively, such as technical drawing and digital media.
• Evaluating Designs: Iterative evaluation throughout the design process, reflecting on strengths, weaknesses, and ethical/sustainability considerations.

Specialist Material Category
Students will focus on one area for more in-depth study: Polymers
For Polymers students will learn:

• Material Properties: Key physical and working properties of the chosen material group.
• Processes and Techniques: Practical skills for working with the materials, including cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing.
• Industrial Processes: Understanding of large-scale production methods, environmental impacts, and sustainability of materials.

Assessment Overview
The GCSE Design and Technology assessment consists of two main components:

• Component 1: Examination (50%)
  Written Paper (1 hour 45 minutes)
• Component 2: Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) (50%)
• Design and Make Project
  Students undertake a substantial design and make project based on a context set by Pearson. They are required to investigate, design, develop, and create a prototype product.

AS and A Level

The Cambridge International AS Level Design and Technology course aims to:

• Encourage creativity, innovation, and the application of design principles in developing functional and aesthetic products.
• Develop technical and practical skills in a range of design and technology disciplines, including materials, systems, and processes.
• Promote awareness of contemporary technologies and their environmental, social, and economic impacts.
• Foster problem-solving skills by applying design thinking and iterative processes to address real-world challenges.
• Prepare students for further education or careers in fields such as design, engineering, architecture, and manufacturing.

Key Content Areas

Candidates for Cambridge International A Level are examined on the whole course content, AS & A Level.

AS Content:

1 The design process
2 Design principles
3 Communication
4 Design and technology in society
5 Sustainable design
6 Health and safety
7 Aesthetics and ergonomics
8 Materials and components
9 Stages in Materials Processing
10 Materials processing
11 Energy and control systems
12 Technology

A Level Content:
13 Industrial practices
14 Business and commercial practices
15 Quantity production
16 Materials processing in industry
17 Quality systems
18 Digital technology.

AS and A Level candidates also apply the AS and A Level theory content and skills in a practical context in Coursework Components 2&4.

Assessment Overview

The AS and A Level courses assessment each consist of two main components, both focusing on theoretical knowledge and design skills:

AS Units: Paper 1 & Coursework Component 2

A Level Units: Paper 3 & Coursework Component 4

Develop practical skills in selecting and using materials, tools, and processes safely and efficiently.

The D&T Cambridge IAL course provides a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of Design & Technology, preparing students for further education in design-related fields or technical careers such as engineering, manufacturing, or product development.