IGCSE | Design & Technology – Leighton Park

GCSE in Design and Technology

Exam Board: Cambridge
Syllabus Code: IGCSE 0979

The IGCSE in Design and Technology enables learners to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with different media, materials and tools to produce a made product.

Learners gain technical and design awareness and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity. They also develop the communication skills central to the design process.

The study of design and technology seeks to prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. It helps students to be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors. The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• demonstrate their understanding that all design and technological activity takes place in contexts that influence the outcomes of design practice
• develop realistic design proposals as a result of the exploration of design opportunities and users’ needs, wants and values
• use imagination, experimentation and combine ideas when designing
• develop the skills to critique and refine their own ideas while designing and making
• communicate their design ideas and decisions using different media and techniques, as appropriate for different audiences at key points in their designing
• develop decision-making skills, including the planning and organisation of time and resources when managing their own project work
• develop a broad knowledge of materials, components and technologies and practical skills to develop high-quality, imaginative and functional prototypes
• be ambitious and open to exploring. Take design risks in order to stretch the development of design proposals, avoiding clichéd or stereotypical responses
• demonstrate safe working practices in design and technology
• use key design and technology terminology, including those related to: designing, innovation and communication; materials and technologies; making, manufacture and production; critiquing, values and ethics

The assessment for the IGCSE consists of three components:

• an internally marked/externally moderated design and make coursework project (50%)
• two equally weighted externally marked written exam paper at the end of Year 11 (50%)
  • Resistant Materials (60 minutes)
  • Product Design (75 minutes)

Approximately half the lessons are used for classroom-based design and theory work.

Students are expected to attend additional workshop sessions after school and a few Saturday mornings during the Easter term in Year 11.

If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Mark Smith