Specification

Useful Downloads

Specification
(PDF), Last Updated: 25 May 2011
Specification First Teaching 2011

Specification
(PDF), Last Updated: 23 September 2011
(Version 4) For first teaching from September 2009, for first assessment from Summer 2010, for first award in Summer 2011.

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This GCSE in Technology and Design is divided into five units:

Unit 1: Technology and Design Core;
Unit 2: Systems and Control;
Unit 3: Product Design;
Unit 4: Design Assignment; and
Unit 5: Design Project.

Students must complete either Unit 2 or Unit 3. The content of each unit is outlined in more detail below:

Unit 1: Technology and Design Core
This unit is compulsory. Students study manufacturing, electronics, mechanical control systems, computer control systems and pneumatic systems and control.

Unit 2: Systems and Control
This unit is optional. Students study electronic and microelectronic control systems or mechanical and pneumatic control systems.

Unit 3: Product Design
This unit is optional. Students study designing and innovation, materials, components and fabrication, manufacturing practices, and social responsibility of product design and market influences.

Unit 4: Design Assignment
This unit is compulsory. Students complete a design assignment. They must demonstrate their ability to design a product under controlled conditions.

Unit 5: Design Project
This unit is compulsory. Students must demonstrate their ability to design and manufacture a product in either the Product Design or Systems Design option under controlled conditions.

For more information, see the specification.