Master GCSE Design & Technology with Adaptive Practice
Master GCSE Design & Technology with practice on materials, manufacturing, design principles, and technical knowledge.
Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications
About GCSE Design & Technology
GCSE Design and Technology covers the design process from research and investigation through to prototyping and making. You will learn about materials (timber, metals, polymers, textiles, and electronic systems), manufacturing processes, and the impact of design on society and the environment.
D&T is valued for careers in product design, engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and the creative industries. It develops practical problem-solving skills and teaches you to think critically about how products are designed, made, and used.
Students often find the written exam challenging because it covers a broad range of technical knowledge — from material properties and manufacturing techniques to energy, sustainability, and design theory. The practical project also demands strong time management.
Topics Covered
How UpGrades Helps
Adaptive Practice
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Spaced Repetition
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Progress Tracking
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Study Tips for Design & Technology
- ✓ Learn the properties of key materials (hardness, toughness, malleability, tensile strength) and be able to justify why a specific material would be chosen for a particular product. Examiners want to see reasoning, not just recall.
- ✓ Practise sketching in 3D — isometric and perspective drawing. Clear, well-annotated sketches are essential for your NEA portfolio and can also help you explain ideas in the written exam.
- ✓ For each manufacturing process (casting, moulding, cutting, joining), know when it would be used, what materials it works with, and its advantages and disadvantages compared to alternatives.
- ✓ Study real-world case studies of products and designers. Being able to reference specific examples — such as how a particular designer used sustainable materials — adds depth to your exam answers.
Exam Tips for GCSE Design & Technology
- ✓ In the written exam, questions about materials and processes often ask you to justify your choice. Always give a reason linked to the product requirements — saying aluminium because it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant is much better than just saying aluminium.
- ✓ For calculation questions about stock sizes, costs, or dimensions, show all your working. These are straightforward marks if you lay out your method clearly.
- ✓ Read scenario-based questions carefully. They will describe a design context, and your answers need to relate specifically to that context rather than giving generic design theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Design & Technology at other levels: A-Level Design & Technology
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