New design & technology GCSE unveiled

The reformed qualification is designed to ensure pupils are ‘equipped with the skills employers need’ and will give them a chance to develop their own design briefs and projects ranging from furniture design to computer controlled robots.

Industry experts, including those from the James Dyson Foundation, have been closely involved in developing the new GCSE, which brings together content that previously existed under a number of different D&T titles and aims to give students a solid grasp of the principles of design that can be applied to a range of disciplines.

Gibb said: “As part of our commitment to social justice, we are restoring rigour to the curriculum so all young people, irrespective of background, have access to an excellent, well-rounded education.

“We now have a design and technology GCSE which has been shaped by leading industry figures to significantly deepen students’ understanding of this subject.

“This is a rigorous qualification which will require students to have a sound grasp of maths and science, and which will undoubtedly stretch them to further develop the kind of knowledge and skills so sought after by employers and universities.”

Andy Mitchell, assistant chief executive of The Design and Technology Association, said: “The D&T Association believes that the revised subject content provides an excellent platform on which the awarding organisations can develop examination specifications reflecting developments in the subject and meeting better the needs of young people, employers, further and higher education and the country.

“The content should also inform the provision of continued professional development for teachers, which will be essential in ensuring the teaching of this highly relevant qualification and its increased value and status.”

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