Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a choice of theme?
Yes, there will be up to three themes to choose from each year.
Can the teacher set a theme within the theme?
Yes, this may make the theme more manageable – but it should be done with care so that all of the requirements of the task can be fulfilled.
Does the system have to be inside the product?
Yes, it must be housed within a product.
Can candidates do the Systems and Control exam and do the Product Design coursework?
This is not prohibited however it is not recommended as the theory units should provide the underpinning knowledge for the coursework.
The Assessment Criteria for systems refers to systems, it does not mention housing or casing, how will this be credited?
The marks in the assessment criteria will be weighted heavily on the actual system. Housings/casings for this strand will be exemplified by the moderating team at the Agreement Trials.
In the assessment criteria for system design (pg. 50) it refers to ‘a range of processes’, how many processes are required?
QCA stated that stating a prescribed number of processes here would not be appropriate. The moderating team will, at their discretion, set the standard for this area and exemplify this at agreement trials. This will be clearer when exemplars are provided.
When candidates are producing the design portfolio under informal supervision, can the teacher give solutions?
Under the QCA guidelines teachers can only monitor progress and ensure that plagiarism is avoided. Candidates must produce an individual piece of work.