GCSE

AQA GCSE Design & Technology Revision

Adaptive practice aligned to the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance specification. 8 topics, exam-style questions, and instant AI feedback.

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About AQA GCSE Design & Technology

AQA is the largest exam board in England, setting GCSE and A-Level exams taken by millions of students each year. Known for clear mark schemes and well-structured specifications across all major subjects.

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.

Topics in AQA GCSE Design & Technology

1 Core Technical Principles

2 Specialist Technical Principles

3 Materials & Components

4 Manufacturing Processes

5 Design Principles

6 Sustainability

7 Systems & Control

8 Design Practice

Study Tips for AQA 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 AQA 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

How is GCSE Design and Technology assessed?

It is typically 50% written exam and 50% non-exam assessment (NEA), which is a substantial design-and-make project. The NEA involves investigating a design problem, generating ideas, developing and making a prototype, and evaluating your work.

What materials do I work with?

This depends on your school facilities, but the exam covers a core of timber, metals, polymers, textiles, and electronic and mechanical systems. Most schools specialise in one or two areas for the practical work but you need theoretical knowledge of all materials.

How long is the NEA project?

The NEA is a substantial piece of work completed over several months, typically 30-35 hours of guided time. It includes a design portfolio and a made outcome, both of which are assessed.

Is GCSE D&T useful for engineering?

Yes, it is one of the most directly relevant GCSEs for engineering careers. It introduces materials science, manufacturing processes, and design methodology that you will build on if you study engineering further.