How to Revise GCSE Design & Technology

Master GCSE Design & Technology with practice on materials, manufacturing, design principles, and technical knowledge.

Revision Strategy

Revising Design & Technology means covering both the theoretical knowledge tested in written papers and the practical skills assessed through coursework or controlled assessments. For the theory, use active recall techniques — flashcards, self-quizzing, and practice questions — rather than passive re-reading of notes.

Learn the technical terminology thoroughly. Design & Technology exams award marks for using precise, subject-specific language, and vague or colloquial descriptions will cost you marks even if you understand the underlying concept. Create a vocabulary list for each topic and test yourself regularly.

Practise applying your knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios and contexts. Design & Technology exams often present you with situations you have not studied directly and ask you to use your understanding to analyse, evaluate, or solve problems. Working through past papers and mark schemes helps you understand how examiners expect you to approach these application questions.

Study Tips for GCSE 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.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in GCSE Design & Technology

Core Technical Principles

Specialist Technical Principles

Materials & Components

Manufacturing Processes

Design Principles

Sustainability

Systems & Control

Design Practice

Available Exam Boards

GCSE Design & Technology specification guides for each exam board

AQA Edexcel OCR WJEC

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.

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