Product Design
Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology (Product Design) is engaging and inspiring, and reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving society – this qualification enables students to apply themselves and develop the practical skills needed to succeed in their chosen pathway.
In contrast to lower school Design and Technology, pupils have greater freedom to design products from their own specification. Typical outcomes could include; lamps, radios, MP3 players or exciting combinations. The materials used can include a range of polymers, wood, metal and glass.
GCSE Design and Technology Exhibition - 2024
Students will have the opportunity to take part in external competitions such as; the Faraday Challenge, the Design and Technology Tournament and F1 in Schools. In Year 11 students also have the opportunity to apply for the Arkwright Scholarship which supports students in fulfilling careers and further education in engineering.
GCSE Product Design Curriculum
How is GCSE Product Design structured?
During Year 10 students will learn about a range of materials and processes for timbers, metals and polymers through workshops and mini design and make projects. The theory content of the course will also be covered throughout Year 10 and where relevant, link to the workshops and mini design and make projects.
Following the workshops and mini design and make projects, during Year 10 students will begin their non-examined assessment which will continue throughout Year 11. Theory knowledge will continue to be reviewed and applied throughout Year 11.
| Year 10 | Year 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Material Types, Properties and Structures | NEA Contextual Challenge |
| Autumn 2 | Timbers | |
| Spring 1 | Energy, Materials, Systems and Devices | NEA Contextual Challenge |
| Spring 2 | New and Emerging Technologies | NEA Contextual Challenge |
| Summer 1 | Informing Design Decisions | |
| Summer 2 |
Designing Principles Begin Contextual Challenge |
How is GCSE Product Design assessed?
As described above, your GCSE Product Design mark is decided by a written examination, and a Non-examined Assessment. The Non-examined Assessment will be assessed by the subject teachers according to a detailed assessment criteria. This is then moderated by the exam board.
Written examination (1 hour and 45 minutes): 50% of the qualification – 100 marks
Section A: Core
This section is 40 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-response, graphical, calculation and extended-open-response questions. There will be 10 marks of calculation questions in Section A.
Section B: Material categories
This section is 60 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-response, graphical, calculation and extended-open-response questions. There will be 5 marks of calculation questions in Section B.
Non-examined assessment: 50% of the qualification – 100 marks
There are four parts to the assessment:
1 – Investigate: This includes investigation of needs and research, and a product specification
2 – Design: This includes producing different design ideas, review of initial ideas, development of design ideas into a chosen design, communication of design ideas and review of the chosen design
3 – Make: This includes manufacture, and quality and accuracy
4 – Evaluate: This includes testing and evaluation
Useful Links
Career Pathways
What can GCSE Product Design lead to?
GCSE Product Design students can go on to study A Level Product Design at Notre Dame High School, and a range of other Level 3 Product Design related courses, and apprenticeships. Following on from A Level/Level 3 courses, students can study foundation and degree courses at colleges and universities, including Norwich University of the Arts (NUA). At degree level students will train in their area of specialisation, before going on to become a Product Designer or Engineer, to name a few examples in a broad variety of specialist jobs and careers.
GCSE Product Design can also develop highly valuable transferable skills, including creative ideas development, problem-solving, contextual interpretation and visual communication, as well as organisational, presentation, and team-working skills.
For more information click on our A Level Product Design course.
For advice on apprenticeship courses, click here.
Career Pathways
Studying product design would be beneficial for those people who are interested in jobs within the creative, engineering or technology sectors.
As you will learn many skills around design, planning and construction it suits hands on people who like to work practically.
In the future there will be high demand for engineers and trades people with advancing technology changing the way that people work.
For example careers leading from this subject, click here.
Green Careers: This is a significant growth sector with a wide variety of roles. Check out our webpage to find out more.
Creative Industries: explore a wide selection of creative careers
You can watch a great series of videos on Design Technology at BBC Bitesize website.
Product Design FAQs
What skills and attributes do I need to be successful in GCSE Product Design?
To be successful in GCSE Product Design, is it important to be creative, and have a genuine passion for product design. An open mind and willingness to listen and take advice will be a huge benefit as students advance through the course.
Students studying GCSE Product Design are expected to be highly motivated and, together with guidance from their subject teacher, be able to work independently. As students progress through the course, they will become increasingly confident regarding the properties and applications of a range of materials and processes for timbers, metals and polymers.
What skills, knowledge and grades do I need to do Product Design?
Ideally, students who select GCSE Product Design will have enjoyed Design and Technology, specifically product design, in KS3. Students should enjoy the process of developing skills, ideas and understanding, together with the combination of practical, technical, creative, and contextual demands involved a practical subject. Provided students are committed to the course, willing to learn, and can display their creative and practical skills and knowledge, they will be successful while studying Product Design.
What equipment is needed for GCSE Product Design?
Most of the materials and equipment you will use will be available at school. However, it is useful to have a stationary set that comprises of drawing a designing equipment.
Some essentials are:
- Drawing pencils
- Fineliners
- Coloured pens and pencils for design work
- Set squares
- Protractor
- Compass
- Ruler
What equipment is available when studying GCSE Product Design?
- 3D printer
- Bag press
- Casting and brazing facilities
- Centre lathe for metal work
- Disk sander
- Heat press
- Hot wire cutter
- Jigsaw
- Laser cutter
- Pillar drill
- Software, including 2D Design, Photoshop and Solidworks
- Soldering irons
- Vacuum formers
- Vinyl cutter