specification overview
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Design & Technology (1DT0) is a single-tier linear qualification with one 1h 45m written paper (100 marks, 50%) and a Design and Make non-exam assessment (100 marks, 50%). Students specialise in one material category from Year 10 which shapes both the paper and the NEA.
subject content
1. Core content
Paper 1 Section A- Impact of new and emerging technologies
- Energy sources, storage and generation
- Modern materials, smart materials, composite materials
- Systems approach to designing, mechanical devices
2. Material categories (choose one)
Paper 1 Section B- Papers and boards, natural and manufactured timbers, ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers, natural, synthetic, blended and mixed fibres, woven, non-woven and knitted textiles
- Electronic systems, programmable components, mechanical components
3. Designing and making principles
Paper 1 Section C- Investigation, primary and secondary data, environmental considerations
- The work of others, design strategies, communication of design ideas
- Prototype development, selection of materials, tools and equipment, quality control
4. Non-exam assessment (Design and Make)
NEA- Investigating design possibilities (Pearson-set contextual challenge)
- Developing a design brief and specification; generating and developing ideas
- Realising design ideas (making a prototype); analysing and evaluating outcomes
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Principles of Design and Technology) | Section A: Core content (40 marks). Section B: Material category (60 marks, one chosen category). Section C: Designing and making principles (extended-response) | 1h 45m | 100 | 50% | Multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-response questions |
| Non-exam assessment (Design and Make) | Design and manufacture a prototype in response to Pearson's contextual challenge | Learning hours not specified | 100 | 50% | Portfolio of design work (format flexible: A3 pages or e-portfolio) plus a finished prototype. Internally marked, moderated by Pearson |
Pearson releases the NEA contextual challenges on 1 June the year before the exam. Students then have from September to May of Year 11 to complete the portfolio and prototype.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities to address needs and wants. | 10% |
| AO2 | Design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose. | 30% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes for prototypes made by themselves and others; wider issues in design and technology. | 20% |
| AO4 | Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of technical principles and designing and making principles. | 40% |
key tips for success
Choose your material category early
Your chosen material category (papers, timbers, metals, polymers, textiles, or systems) shapes Section B of the paper AND your NEA. Pick something you can use for both.
Start the NEA immediately
Contextual challenges release on 1 June. Start investigating in Year 10 summer, don't leave it until Christmas of Year 11.
Learn Section A core content cold
Section A tests core technical principles (energy, materials, systems, mechanical devices) with MCQs. Drill until fast.
Draw and annotate ideas
Portfolio marks reward clear communication of design intent. Learn isometric and orthographic sketching. Annotate every drawing.
Practise the design cycle
Investigation, brief/specification, ideas, development, making, evaluation. Learn Pearson's expected structure so nothing is missed in the portfolio.
Reference designers and clients
Section C rewards examples of named designers and how they investigated user needs. Learn 4-5 case studies you can apply.
Where to next
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