Preparing for assessment

• What is the total percentage of marks that the written exam accounts for in the Eduqas Design and Technology GCSE?

  50 percent
• When will the written exam for the Eduqas Design and Technology GCSE typically take place?

  In May or June of Year 11
• How long is the written exam for the Eduqas Design and Technology GCSE?

  Two hours
• What types of questions will be included in the written exam paper?

  A mixture of short-answer, structured, and extended writing questions
• What are the two sections of the written exam paper?

  • Section A: Questions assessing core knowledge and understanding (all questions must be answered)
  • Section B: Questions assessing in-depth knowledge and understanding (one question must be answered)
• What will the exam assess in terms of knowledge and understanding?

  Your knowledge of technical principles and designing and making principles
• Which assessment objectives are you assessed against in the written exam?

  AO3 and AO4
• What does AO3 assess in the written exam?

  • Analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes
  • Consider wider issues in design and technology
• What does AO4 assess in the written exam?

  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of technical principles
  • Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of designing and making principles
• What is the total percentage weight of AO3 in the written exam?

  10 percent
• What is the total percentage weight of AO4 in the written exam?

  40 percent
• What should you do before answering each exam question?

  Read each question carefully (twice)
• What are some common command words you may encounter on the exam paper?

  • State/name/give: Provide brief facts or examples
  • Describe: Provide characteristics or a brief account
  • Explain: Provide details and reasons
  • Calculate: Work out the value
  • Discuss: Examine an issue in detail
  • Analyse: Organise information into components
  • Justify: Present a reasoned case
  • Evaluate: Make a judgement based on weighing up points
  • Assess: Make an informed judgement
• Why is it important to look at how many marks are available for a question?

  It helps guide you on how many points to include in your answer
• What should you do for extended writing questions before you start writing?

  Plan your answer
• What is required in short-answer questions?

  A short phrase, sentence, or simple one-word answer
• What is the purpose of pattern markings in textiles?

  They are used as a guide to laying out templates on fabrics
• What is the importance of following pattern markings accurately when laying out templates on fabric?

  It ensures pattern pieces fit together correctly
• What does the term 'bespoke' refer to in clothing?

  A single product made specifically for a single client
• What are some benefits of having a bespoke item of clothing made for a client?

  Perfect fit, unique design, and high-quality materials
• What is important to show in calculation questions?

  All calculations and workings
• How many marks is the portfolio of work marked out of?

  100 marks
• What are the five assessment strands for the portfolio of work?

  (a) Identifying and investigating design possibilities

  (b) Developing a design brief and specification

  (c) Generating and developing design ideas

  (d) Manufacturing a prototype

  (e) Analysing and evaluating design decisions and prototypes
• What is a design brief?

  A statement of intent outlining what is to be designed and made
• What is a design specification?

  A list of features the product must have to be successful
• What is meant by 'evaluating' in design?

  Appraising and making judgements on information and issues
• What should be at the core of your thinking when exploring design opportunities?

  A client or potential user
• What is the iterative design process?

  • A continuous cycle of designing, testing, and refining ideas
  • Involves feedback and adjustments based on evaluations
• What is the significance of the contextual challenge in the NEA?

  It guides the design and make task
• What is the expected format for presenting the portfolio of work?

  There is no set format; content and focus are most important
• What is the role of the teacher in the NEA?

  To ensure the work presented is the student's own
• What is the importance of including test pieces in the portfolio?

  They complete the portfolio of evidence for assessment
• What are some examples of contextual challenges in design?

  • The interpretation of colour
  • Addressing real-life needs through design
  • Exploring cultural and aesthetic reasons for design choices
• What should you consider when identifying design possibilities?

  • Contextual challenges
  • Client profile (lifestyle, age, needs)
  • Existing products for improvement
  • Materials, processes, and technical requirements
• What is the purpose of the portfolio of evidence in the assessment?

  It showcases your design journey from contextual challenge to finished prototype product.
• What are the learning objectives of this chapter?

  • The iterative process of design
  • Structure of the non-examined assessment (NEA)
  • Format, style, and approaches to the NEA
  • Assessment criteria for the NEA
  • Evidence needed in the portfolio of work
• What percentage of marks does the non-examined assessment (NEA) contribute to the GCSE qualification in Design and Technology?

  50 percent
• What does the iterative design process involve?

  It involves a cycle of modelling and prototyping to refine ideas.
• How does trialling ideas benefit the design process?

  It leads to more refined ideas and potential new approaches to problems.
• How does the iterative process reflect industry practices?

  It mirrors the ongoing development and refinement of products in the market.