Design and Technology (Product Design) (Pearson)

Applications Open: 27/11/25

Applications Close: 31/01/26

Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE passes at grade 6 or above including grade 5s in Maths and either English Literature or Language.

How to Apply: Online application using Applicca - https://rochestergrammarschool.applicaa.com/applicaa.com/Year12

Component 1: Principles of Design and Technology - Written examination

Subject areas:

• Topic 1: Materials – including; Wood, Metal, Polymer, Composite, Textile, Paper/Board, Smart and Modern materials.

• Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials – focusing on working properties of materials

• Topic 3: Processes and techniques – developing practical skills including; marking out, cutting, use of specialist equipment, joinery, finishing and drawing.

• Topic 4: Digital techniques – including the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)

• Topic 5: Factors influencing the development of products – including; influence of the intended user, key design movements, ergonomics, anthropometrics and form vis function.

• Topic 6: Effects of technological developments – including; production techniques that have effects on designers and, social, moral and ethical impacts.

• Topic 7: Potential hazards and risk assessment – focusing on adopting a safe working practice and reacting to potential hazards.

• Topic 8: Features of manufacturing industries – including; production methods, monitoring systems, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

• Topic 9: Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment – including clean technologies and the product life cycle

• Topic 10: Current legislation – including; consumer rights, health and safety laws and regulations

• Topic 11: Information handling, modelling and forward planning – including; the collection of data, costing, intellectual property and standards organisations.

• Topic 12: Further processes and techniques – Including; project management strategies, exploring and evaluating design ideas and market implications.

Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project – Non-examined assessment (NEA)

Key areas:

• Students individually and/or in consultation with a client/end user identify a problem and design context.

• Students will develop a range of potential solutions which include the use of computer aided design and evidence of modelling.

• Students will be expected to make decisions about the designing and development of the prototype in conjunction with the opinions of the client/end user.

• Students will realise one potential solution through practical making activities with evidence of project management and plan for production.

• Students will incorporate issues related to sustainability and the impact their prototype may have on the environment.

• Students are expected to analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes for prototypes/products made by themselves and others

• Students are expected to analyse and evaluate of wider issues in design technology, including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts.

Written examination 50% and Non-examined Assessment (Coursework) 50%

GCSE Grade 6 in Design Technology

OR 6 in Art or 6 in a science