WJEC GCSE Design & Technology: Product Design specification (3603)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Design & Technology: Product Design exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC GCSE Design & Technology: Product Design specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC GCSE Design & Technology: Product Design (3603) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE Design & Technology: Product Design specification enables learners to solve real problems by designing and making innovative products or systems. The course prepares students to participate confidently in a technological world, encouraging awareness of historical, environmental, economic, and social factors that influence design. Learners develop creativity, independence, and practical expertise through a balance of technical knowledge and hands-on experience. The qualification promotes critical analysis, creative problem-solving, and an appreciation of technological developments, equipping students for further study or careers in design, engineering, and related fields:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Core Knowledge and Understanding
- Impact of new and emerging technologies on industry, enterprise, sustainability, culture, society, environment, production techniques, and systems.
- Critical evaluation of new technologies considering ethics, environment, life cycle analysis, design obsolescence, and carbon footprint.
- Energy generation and storage; renewable vs non-renewable sources, impacts on manufacturing.
- Developments in modern and smart materials like SMA, Polymorph, smart textiles.
- Ecological and social footprint; sustainability, Six Rs, Fairtrade.
- Analysis of past and present designers and companies (e.g., Apple, James Dyson).
Product Design In-depth Knowledge
- Properties and aesthetics of papers, boards, natural/manufactured timbers, metals, polymers, and modern materials.
- Sources, origins, properties, and uses of metals, timbers, polymers, and paper products.
- Factors influencing material/component selection (functionality, aesthetics, environment, cost).
- Standard stock forms, types, sizes; calculating quantities and costs.
- Manufacturing processes for different production scales; use of CAM and high-volume production techniques.
- Specialist techniques for shaping, assembling, and finishing prototypes.
- Appropriate surface treatments and finishes for protection and aesthetics:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century
- 2-hour written examination, 50% of qualification.
- Assesses core and in-depth knowledge, understanding of design principles, and analysis of wider issues.
Unit 2: Design and Make Task (NEA)
- Approximately 35 hours, 50% of qualification.
- Contextual challenge set by WJEC.
- Assesses design process skills: identifying opportunities, writing briefs, developing and testing ideas, producing prototypes, evaluating.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Identify, investigate, analyse and outline design possibilities (10%).
- AO2: Design, make prototypes, and evaluate their fitness for purpose (40%).
- AO3: Analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues (10%).
- AO4: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of design and technology principles (40%).
Non-Exam Assessment
- Centre-assessed and externally moderated.
- Consists of a design brief, prototype(s), and supporting evidence.
- Strict supervision and authentication procedures required.
- Marks based on specified assessment criteria with emphasis on creativity, quality, and innovation:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Design & Technology: Product Design isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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