Frequently Asked Questions

6th May 2011

No, there is no particular level of attainment required. However, before studying this specification, we expect students to have a level of skills in technology, numeracy, literacy and communication equivalent to having studied technology and design to Key Stage 3.

No, there are no prohibited combinations.

Yes, students must demonstrate the quality of their written communication. In particular, they must:

• ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate so that meaning is clear;
• select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to their purpose and to complex subject matter; and
• organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate.

The quality of students’ written communication is assessed in their responses to questions or tasks that require extended writing. The examiners assess the quality of written communication within all assessment objectives and units in this specification.

We award GCSE qualifications on an eight grade scale from A*–G, with A* being the highest. For students who fail to attain a grade G, we report their results as unclassified (U).

This specification provides opportunities for students to develop the following Key Skills:

• Application of Number;
• Communication;
• Improving Own Learning and Performance;
• Information and Communications Technology;
• Problem-Solving; and
• Working with Others.

Yes this is acceptable. However the candidate will not receive any additional marks for including the system if they have chosen to go down the product design route. Centres are advised to refer to the marking criteria for a system and product project to view the main differences.

Candidate if entitled to extra time (via application to the online Access Arrangements)will be entitled to extra time in controlled assessments if it has been identified that there is a need. The regulations state that extra time may not be appropriate in practical exams or controlled assessments where the impairment has a minimum effect on the assessment. The responsibility rests with the centre to determine if the candidate requires their approved extra time and also determine how much time is required up to the amount approved. Care must be taken by the centre to ensure that a candidate whose normal way of working is to use extra time is not placed at a disadvantage. Centres must ensure that for extra time candidates, the appropriate invigilation and timetabling are in pace for supervised controlled assessments.

Candidates may have readers or scribes in controlled assessment if they qualify and have approval for such assistance in written examinations. The same restrictions on the use of these arrangements will apply.

There is a JCQ booklet that all centres have, further details on this issue can be found in this document.