GCSE Design and Technology is assessed in two parts:
Non Exam Assessment (NEA) – 30 hours: 50%
Each year the Exam Board releases a set of contextual challenges. We work with the students to analyse and choose the most appropriate challenge for them. They will then begin work on a large portfolio starting with an extensive body of research that leads the students to writing their own Design Brief.
Students present a portfolio of Research and Design Development along with an item of Practical Work for Assessment. Exam board restrictions mean that it cannot begin until the Summer term of Year 10, to be completed in Year 11.
Exam – One hour and 45 minutes, part of which will be multiple choice: 50%
Through the three years of study core content is delivered alongside the practical elements of the course. The written exam is divided into two sections: 40% core content and 60% material categories. The core content allows students to demonstrate their breadth of understanding of Design and Technology, whilst the material categories enable students to demonstrate their specialist knowledge of one material area.