Guidance

Design & technology: grade descriptors for GCSEs graded 9 to 1

Updated 6 September 2017

Applies to England

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1. Grade 8

To achieve grade 8, candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate and effectively apply comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the principles of design and technology in a range of familiar and unfamiliar situations
  • experiment and innovate to develop and refine fully functioning prototypes safely and effectively, applying relevant technical skills with precision
  • effectively employ sophisticated technical language and a range of communication methods, such as schematic and exploded diagrams, and mathematical modelling
  • critically analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes to draw well-evidenced conclusions
  • use a range of mathematical skills and scientific knowledge to make accurate calculations and inform choices

2. Grade 5

To achieve grade 5, candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate and apply mostly accurate and appropriate knowledge and understanding of the principles of design and technology in familiar and some unfamiliar situations
  • develop functioning prototypes safely and effectively applying appropriate technical skills
  • use appropriate technical language and methods of communication, such as formal drawings and annotated sketches
  • analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes to draw plausible conclusions supported by some evidence
  • use some mathematical skills and scientific knowledge to make accurate calculations and inform choices

3. Grade 2

To achieve grade 2, candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate and apply basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of design and technology in familiar situations
  • work safely applying straightforward technical skills in the production of a prototype
  • use everyday language, audio and visual recordings, and simple drawings or sketches to explain an idea
  • make straightforward comments about their own work and the work of others
  • use some simple mathematical skills and scientific knowledge to make basic calculations
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