Last updated: 15 Nov 2007

Choices post-16

Thinking of taking a qualification in design and technology? Helping your child to make choices post-16? Here is information on the design-and-technology-related qualifications offered.

Entry level in design and technology
GCSE design and technology
GCSE (short course) design and technology
AS level design and technology
A level design and technology

Specifications and criteria

Exam specifications describe the syllabus content, aims, assessment methods and objectives and how the qualification is graded. Specifications are designed by exam boards rather than QCA. Each exam board offers a slightly different specification, which gives schools and colleges a choice about the qualification that is best for their learners.

The criteria are the broad framework from which exam boards develop their examination specifications.

Find out more from Specifications and criteria.

Entry level courses are suitable for a range of young and adult learners. They represent the first tier of the National Qualifications Framework and measure achievement below GCSE grade G. Entry level design and technology certificates are available in:

• food technology
• graphic products
• resistant materials
• systems and control
• textiles technology.

GCSE design and technology is divided into eight focus areas. Students pick one to study for their qualification. The focus areas are:

• resistant materials
• food technology
• textiles technology
• systems and control
• graphic products
• electronic products
• product design
• industrial technology.

GCSE short courses count as half a GCSE. Short-course students work to the same standard as those studying for a full GCSE, but cover half the material. Design and technology GCSE short courses are organised in the following focus areas. Students pick one area for their course. These are:

• electronic products
• food technology
• graphic products
• resistant materials
• systems and control
• textiles technology
• industrial technology.

Students can take design and technology AS levels in product design, food technology or systems and control.

Students can take design and technology A levels in product design, food technology or systems and control.