Mr Kidman's ClassroomAQA · GCSE Design and Technology · 8552
Design and Technology Revision
Understand materials and systems, justify design decisions and develop practical skills through evidence.
Past papers
Revision topics
12 topicsTechnology, energy and new materials
industry and enterprise; energy generation and storage; developments in materials.
Electronic systems and mechanisms
systems and control; motion and force.
Materials, sustainability and production
material families and properties; selection and environmental impact; production and quality.
Papers and boards
sources and selection; stock, forming and joining; commercial processes and finish.
Timber-based materials
sources and properties; stock, tools and joints; production, quality and finishes.
Metal-based materials
sources and properties; stock and forming; quality and finishing.
Polymers
sources and selection; stock and shaping; finish and environmental impact.
Textile-based materials
fibres and fabrics; stock, shaping and joining; commercial production and finishes.
Specialist electronic and mechanical systems
selection and components; manufacture and assembly; quality, finish and footprint.
Research, users and the work of others
investigation and specification; challenges and ethics; designers and companies.
Designing, communicating and making
strategies and development; communication; material management and safe making.
Calculations and assessment preparation
quantitative design; examination and nea.
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Which materials should I revise?
All core technical content is required. AQA teaches specialist principles in depth through at least one material category or system. All six areas are available here: papers and boards, timber, metals, polymers, textiles, and electronic/mechanical systems. Use your teacher's practical examples; these are areas within one GCSE, with no tiers or separate option papers.
The written exam lasts two hours, has 100 marks and contributes 50%. NEA contributes 50% and normally takes 30–35 hours. Your teacher supplies the live context and checks authentic independent evidence. These revision examples do not provide an assessed project.
DT1–DT12 are site identifiers. Study the shared principles alongside your material work. Drawings, research, making and evaluation need practical demonstration and teacher judgement as well as quick questions.