Our resources aim to give Design & Technology teachers and students a clear understanding of the requirements of the new specification GCSE Design and Technology course. The resources available from ACA Resources provide complete coverage of all theory required for the exam, as well as comprehensive guidance for the Non-exam assessment.
Our resources aim to give Design & Technology teachers and students a clear understanding of the requirements of the new specification GCSE Design and Technology course. The resources available from ACA Resources provide complete coverage of all theory required for the exam, as well as comprehensive guidance for the Non-exam assessment.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology (DT) - Designing and Making - Product Analysis
This resource contains all of the key knowledge that the students are required to know for Designing and Making - Product Analysis
Product Analysis
Analysis Categories
Material Impact Analysis
Analysis of Processes
Social Impact
Fair Trade
The sections in these resources align with the sections in the AQA DT revision guide by CGP Books, which gives students clarity and confidence in preparation for both the NEA and the written exam.
These resources have been developed with the following goals in mind:
Allows learners to work through the theory independently, promoting challenge for all learners and ability levels
Disruptive students have less effect on the progress of the learners, as the resources encourage independent learning.
Promotes a love of learning, as learners self-motivate. This is particularly effective when the series of resources is used in combination with the tracker (available for free) designed to show learners their progress through the resources.
Allows independent home learning to be set that follows on and links clearly with the classwork.
Ensures that students have covered all theory required for the exam, with absolute clarity, *(particularly effective when used with the tracker)
Suggested strategy:
This resource is one sub-section. When used as a complete section the following strategy can be adopted:
Begin the lesson by discussion of key words and ideas required in this sub-section. This can be enhanced with related videos from sites such as YouTube.
Encourage students to independently research each concept they come across in the activity by using the internet, CGP revision guide, knowledge organiser (available seperately), peer discussion, teacher discussion etc.
At the end of each resource there are exam-style questions to prepare students for how the knowledge may need to be applied in the exam.
When the sub-section is complete, students get this checked by the teacher and marked off on the tracker (available for free).
The student can then move on to the next sub-section at their own pace, or if you wish to keep the class at the same point, they can act as consultants for the other students in the class, further cementing their knowledge.
These resources have been tested, developed and implemented across our academy and have had a drastic impact on student preparedness for the exam, exam results, and student engagement with the course. The resources can also be used at KS3 in preparation for the GCSE course
AQA GCSE Design and Technology (DT) - Designing and Making - Market Research
This resource contains all of the key knowledge that the students are required to know for Designing and Making - Market Research
Market Research
Target Market
Questionnaires
Open/Closed Questions
Interviews
Focus Groups
The sections in these resources align with the sections in the AQA DT revision guide by CGP Books, which gives students clarity and confidence in preparation for both the NEA and the written exam.
These resources have been developed with the following goals in mind:
Allows learners to work through the theory independently, promoting challenge for all learners and ability levels
Disruptive students have less effect on the progress of the learners, as the resources encourage independent learning.
Promotes a love of learning, as learners self-motivate. This is particularly effective when the series of resources is used in combination with the tracker (available for free) designed to show learners their progress through the resources.
Allows independent home learning to be set that follows on and links clearly with the classwork.
Ensures that students have covered all theory required for the exam, with absolute clarity, *(particularly effective when used with the tracker)
Suggested strategy:
This resource is one sub-section. When used as a complete section the following strategy can be adopted:
Begin the lesson by discussion of key words and ideas required in this sub-section. This can be enhanced with related videos from sites such as YouTube.
Encourage students to independently research each concept they come across in the activity by using the internet, CGP revision guide, knowledge organiser (available seperately), peer discussion, teacher discussion etc.
At the end of each resource there are exam-style questions to prepare students for how the knowledge may need to be applied in the exam.
When the sub-section is complete, students get this checked by the teacher and marked off on the tracker (available for free).
The student can then move on to the next sub-section at their own pace, or if you wish to keep the class at the same point, they can act as consultants for the other students in the class, further cementing their knowledge.
These resources have been tested, developed and implemented across our academy and have had a drastic impact on student preparedness for the exam, exam results, and student engagement with the course. The resources can also be used at KS3 in preparation for the GCSE course
AQA GCSE Design and Technology (DT) - Designing and Making - Design Briefs and Specifications
This resource contains all of the key knowledge that the students are required to know for Designing and Making - Design Briefs and Specifications
Design Brief
Research Types
Market Research
Product Analysis
Research Analysis
Design Specification
The sections in these resources align with the sections in the AQA DT revision guide by CGP Books, which gives students clarity and confidence in preparation for both the NEA and the written exam.
These resources have been developed with the following goals in mind:
Allows learners to work through the theory independently, promoting challenge for all learners and ability levels
Disruptive students have less effect on the progress of the learners, as the resources encourage independent learning.
Promotes a love of learning, as learners self-motivate. This is particularly effective when the series of resources is used in combination with the tracker (available for free) designed to show learners their progress through the resources.
Allows independent home learning to be set that follows on and links clearly with the classwork.
Ensures that students have covered all theory required for the exam, with absolute clarity, *(particularly effective when used with the tracker)
Suggested strategy:
This resource is one sub-section. When used as a complete section the following strategy can be adopted:
Begin the lesson by discussion of key words and ideas required in this sub-section. This can be enhanced with related videos from sites such as YouTube.
Encourage students to independently research each concept they come across in the activity by using the internet, CGP revision guide, knowledge organiser (available seperately), peer discussion, teacher discussion etc.
At the end of each resource there are exam-style questions to prepare students for how the knowledge may need to be applied in the exam.
When the sub-section is complete, students get this checked by the teacher and marked off on the tracker (available for free).
The student can then move on to the next sub-section at their own pace, or if you wish to keep the class at the same point, they can act as consultants for the other students in the class, further cementing their knowledge.
These resources have been tested, developed and implemented across our academy and have had a drastic impact on student preparedness for the exam, exam results, and student engagement with the course. The resources can also be used at KS3 in preparation for the GCSE course
AQA GCSE Design and Technology (DT) - Designing and Making - Understanding User Needs
This resource contains all of the key knowledge that the students are required to know for Designing and Making - Understanding User Needs
Ergonomics
Anthropometric Data
5th and 95th Percentile
Accessible Design
Designing for Children
Designing for the Elderly
The sections in these resources align with the sections in the AQA DT revision guide by CGP Books, which gives students clarity and confidence in preparation for both the NEA and the written exam.
These resources have been developed with the following goals in mind:
Allows learners to work through the theory independently, promoting challenge for all learners and ability levels
Disruptive students have less effect on the progress of the learners, as the resources encourage independent learning.
Promotes a love of learning, as learners self-motivate. This is particularly effective when the series of resources is used in combination with the tracker (available for free) designed to show learners their progress through the resources.
Allows independent home learning to be set that follows on and links clearly with the classwork.
Ensures that students have covered all theory required for the exam, with absolute clarity, *(particularly effective when used with the tracker)
Suggested strategy:
This resource is one sub-section. When used as a complete section the following strategy can be adopted:
Begin the lesson by discussion of key words and ideas required in this sub-section. This can be enhanced with related videos from sites such as YouTube.
Encourage students to independently research each concept they come across in the activity by using the internet, CGP revision guide, knowledge organiser (available seperately), peer discussion, teacher discussion etc.
At the end of each resource there are exam-style questions to prepare students for how the knowledge may need to be applied in the exam.
When the sub-section is complete, students get this checked by the teacher and marked off on the tracker (available for free).
The student can then move on to the next sub-section at their own pace, or if you wish to keep the class at the same point, they can act as consultants for the other students in the class, further cementing their knowledge.
These resources have been tested, developed and implemented across our academy and have had a drastic impact on student preparedness for the exam, exam results, and student engagement with the course. The resources can also be used at KS3 in preparation for the GCSE course
AQA GCSE Design and Technology (DT) - Designing and Making - Looking at the Work of Designers
This resource contains all of the key knowledge that the students are required to know for Designing and Making - Looking at the Work of Designers
The Work of Designers
Fashion Designers
Product Designers
Graphic Designers
Architects
The Work of Companies
Fashion Companies
Product Design Companies
The sections in these resources align with the sections in the AQA DT revision guide by CGP Books, which gives students clarity and confidence in preparation for both the NEA and the written exam.
These resources have been developed with the following goals in mind:
Allows learners to work through the theory independently, promoting challenge for all learners and ability levels
Disruptive students have less effect on the progress of the learners, as the resources encourage independent learning.
Promotes a love of learning, as learners self-motivate. This is particularly effective when the series of resources is used in combination with the tracker (available for free) designed to show learners their progress through the resources.
Allows independent home learning to be set that follows on and links clearly with the classwork.
Ensures that students have covered all theory required for the exam, with absolute clarity, *(particularly effective when used with the tracker)
Suggested strategy:
This resource is one sub-section. When used as a complete section the following strategy can be adopted:
Begin the lesson by discussion of key words and ideas required in this sub-section. This can be enhanced with related videos from sites such as YouTube.
Encourage students to independently research each concept they come across in the activity by using the internet, CGP revision guide, knowledge organiser (available seperately), peer discussion, teacher discussion etc.
At the end of each resource there are exam-style questions to prepare students for how the knowledge may need to be applied in the exam.
When the sub-section is complete, students get this checked by the teacher and marked off on the tracker (available for free).
The student can then move on to the next sub-section at their own pace, or if you wish to keep the class at the same point, they can act as consultants for the other students in the class, further cementing their knowledge.
These resources have been tested, developed and implemented across our academy and have had a drastic impact on student preparedness for the exam, exam results, and student engagement with the course. The resources can also be used at KS3 in preparation for the GCSE course
AQA GCSE Design and Technology (DT) - Exam Theory - Section 1.3 - Sustainability
Free tracker available to be used alongside theory resources
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-gcse-dt-theory-tracker-12190083
This resource contains all of the key knowledge that the students are required to know for Section 1.3 - Sustainability
Sustainability
Finite Materials
Non-Finite Materials
Carbon Footprint
Product Lifecycle
Greenhouse Gases
Global Warming
Obsolete
Planned Obsolescence
Modular Electronics
Durability
The sections in these resources align with the sections in the AQA DT revision guide by CGP Books, which gives students absolute clarity when progressing through the theory required for the exam.
These resources have been developed with the following goals in mind:
Allows learners to work through the theory independently, promoting challenge for all learners and ability levels
Disruptive students have less effect on the progress of the learners, as the resources encourage independent learning.
Promotes a love of learning, as learners self-motivate. This is particularly effective when the series of resources is used in combination with a tracker designed to show learners their progress through the resources.
Allows independent home learning to be set that follows on and links clearly with the classwork.
Ensures that students have covered all theory required for the exam, with absolute clarity *(particularly effective when used with a tracker)
Suggested strategy:
This resource is one sub-section. When used as a complete section the following strategy can be adopted:
Begin the lesson by discussion of key words and ideas required in this sub-section. This can be enchanced with related videos from sites such as YouTube.
Encourage students to independently research each concept they come across in the activity by using the internet, CGP revision guide, knowledge organiser (Available seperately), peer discussion, teacher discussion etc.
At the end of each resource there are exam-style questions to prepare students for how the knowledge may need to be applied in the exam.
When the sub-section is complete, students get this checked by the teacher and marked off on the tracker.
The student can then move on to the next sub-section at their own pace, or if you wish to keep the class at the same point, they can act as consultants for the other students in the class, further cementing their knowledge.
These resources have been tested, developed and implemented across our academy and have had a drastic impact on student preparedness for the exam, exam results, and student engagement with the course. The resources can also be used at KS3 in preparation for the GCSE course
This is a free sample from the ACA Resources GCSE DT theory series
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/ACAResources
*AQA GCSE Design and Technology (DT) - Exam Theory - Section 1.4 - Sustainability and Social Issues
This resource contains all of the key knowledge that the students are required to know for Section 1.4 - Sustainability and Social Issues
Continuous Improvement
Lifecycle Assessment
Recycling
The 6 Rs
Social Factors
Working Conditions
Health Impacts
The sections in these resources align with the sections in the AQA DT revision guide by CGP Books, which gives students absolute clarity when progressing through the theory required for the exam.
These resources have been developed with the following goals in mind:
Allows learners to work through the theory independently, promoting challenge for all learners and ability levels
Disruptive students have less effect on the progress of the learners, as the resources encourage independent learning.
Promotes a love of learning, as learners self-motivate. This is particularly effective when the series of resources is used in combination with a tracker designed to show learners their progress through the resources.
Allows independent home learning to be set that follows on and links clearly with the classwork.
Ensures that students have covered all theory required for the exam, with absolute clarity *(particularly effective when used with a tracker)
Suggested strategy:
This resource is one sub-section. When used as a complete section the following strategy can be adopted:
Begin the lesson by discussion of key words and ideas required in this sub-section. This can be enchanced with related videos from sites such as YouTube.
Encourage students to independently research each concept they come across in the activity by using the internet, CGP revision guide, knowledge organiser (Available seperately), peer discussion, teacher discussion etc.
At the end of each resource there are exam-style questions to prepare students for how the knowledge may need to be applied in the exam.
When the sub-section is complete, students get this checked by the teacher and marked off on your tracker (which I recommend you set up, student names down the side, sub-sections along the top).
The student can then move on to the next sub-section at their own pace, or if you wish to keep the class at the same point, they can act as consultants for the other students in the class, further cementing their knowledge.
These resources have been tested, developed and implemented across our academy and have had a drastic impact on student preparedness for the exam, exam results, and student engagement with the course. The resources can also be used at KS3 in preparation for the GCSE course
GCSE Design and Technology (AQA)
Complete Theory Workbooks.
Also includes theory knowledge organisers for all 5 sections plus Designing and Making section.
This series of workbooks offer comprehensive coverage of the complete GCSE Design and Technology theory content.
Resources are fully editable and printable, meaning students can work through them digitally or in printed workbook format.
Download the accompanying free tracker to maximise student engagement.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-gcse-dt-theory-tracker-12190083
GCSE Design and Technology
Theory Section 5 out of 5 (All sections are available)
Section 5 - Woods, Metals and Polymers
Student Workbook
This workbook comprehensively covers all content from section 5 of the theory, required for the GCSE DT exam.
The workbook can be used as a framework for teaching, as well as for student independent working.
Each section includes worksheets and a knowledge organiser. At the end of the workbook there is also a blank knowledge organiser which can be used to review learning and retention of key knowledge.
Progress can be tracked using the free tracker available from ACA Resources on TES
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-gcse-dt-theory-tracker-12190083
GCSE Design and Technology
Theory Section 4 out of 5 (All sections are available)
Section 4 - Paper and Board
Student Workbook
This workbook comprehensively covers all content from section 4 of the theory, required for the GCSE DT exam.
The workbook can be used as a framework for teaching, as well as for student independent working.
Each section includes worksheets and a knowledge organiser. At the end of the workbook there is also a blank knowledge organiser which can be used to review learning and retention of key knowledge.
Progress can be tracked using the free tracker available from ACA Resources on TES
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-gcse-dt-theory-tracker-12190083
GCSE Design and Technology
Theory Section 3 out of 5 (All sections are available)
Section 3 - More About Materials
Student Workbook
This workbook comprehensively covers all content from section 3 of the theory, required for the GCSE DT exam.
The workbook can be used as a framework for teaching, as well as for student independent working.
Each section includes worksheets and a knowledge organiser. At the end of the workbook there is also a blank knowledge organiser which can be used to review learning and retention of key knowledge.
Progress can be tracked using the free tracker available from ACA Resources on TES
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-gcse-dt-theory-tracker-12190083
GCSE Design and Technology
Theory Section 2 out of 5 (All sections are available)
Section 2 - An Introduction to Materials and Systems
Student Workbook
This workbook comprehensively covers all content from section 2 of the theory, required for the GCSE DT exam.
The workbook can be used as a framework for teaching, as well as for student independent working.
Each section includes worksheets and a knowledge organiser. At the end of the workbook there is also a blank knowledge organiser which can be used to review learning and retention of key knowledge.
Progress can be tracked using the free tracker available from ACA Resources on TES
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-gcse-dt-theory-tracker-12190083
GCSE Design and Technology
Theory Section 1 out of 5 (All sections are available)
Section 1 - Key Ideas in Design and Technology
Student Workbook
This workbook comprehensively covers all content from section 1 of the theory, required for the GCSE DT exam.
The workbook can be used as a framework for teaching, as well as for student independent working.
Each section includes worksheets and a knowledge organiser. At the end of the workbook there is also a blank knowledge organiser which can be used to review learning and retention of key knowledge.
Progress can be tracked using the free tracker available from ACA Resources on TES
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-gcse-dt-theory-tracker-12190083
Tracker to be used with the AQA GCSE DT Theory Resources (Available on TES ACAResources).
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/ACAResources
Simple input:
1 = Section Complete
h = Section set for homework
n = Section not complete or overdue
blank = Section not yet set
Includes visual percentage completion bars (auto-generated) to give teacher and students clarity and opportunity for individual target setting.
Also includes student tickbox sheet.
Encourages students to take ownership of their learning of the exam theory, and the visual progress scores provide motivation and clear goals.
Students can work on different sections where appropriate, and in many cases students may wish to complete sections individually in their own time and bring them back to be ‘checked off’.
Each AQA GCSE DT Theory resource includes exam style questioning which can be used to further check understanding of each section upon completion.
GCSE Design and Technology - Exam theory board game
With knowledge organisers, enabling students to learn and revise the content needed to play the board game, and for the final DT exam.
The board game tests students’ knowledge on all aspects of the knowledge required for the final exam.
The students will be able to learn or revise through competition and fun!
Although the knowledge is GCSE level, the game can be played by students across KS3 and KS4, ensuring that students are fully prepared for GCSE D&T, and understand exactly what they need to know.
The game is broken down into sections and sub-sections, aligned with the DT teaching resources available at ACA Resources on TES
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/ACAResources
The knowledge organisers (available from ACA Resources) provide a basis for learning and revising key information required to answer the questions. The learning in the knowledge organisers is the knowledge required for the final D&T exam.
Students will answer questions on each sub section to progress around the board to the finish.
The game can be played as individuals or in teams.
Game type 1:
Each team takes it in turns to answer a question from the segment on which their playing piece stands.
If they answer their question correctly, they advance onto the next segment and will then answer a question from this category on their next turn.
If they fail to answer correctly they remain on the same segment and answer a question from the same category on their next turn.
Play continues until one team reaches the finish
Game type 2: (Quicker game)
One player from the team asks a question to their team mates, from the section on which their playing piece stands.
If their team answers correctly they advance onto the next square and another question is immediately asked from this next category.
The team must answer as many questions correctly as possible within 30 seconds and will advance by one square for each correct answer.
Game type 3: (keeping both teams in the same category)
Same rules as game type 1, however the first team to reach the end of one complete section is awarded a point, and both teams then start from the beginning of the next section.
The winning team is the team with the most points (complete sections won) by the end of the game
This allows for a time limit to be set, ensuring that all games finish at the same time if multiple games are being played across the class and a tournament or rotation system is being used.
The cards can also be used as a standalone resource as Revision cards, Questioning cues, Lesson start review resource
It is also possible to edit the cards to leave the answers blank, allowing them to be handed out as a review activity.
Tracker for GCSE (AQA) DT Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) Practice.
*Created to be used with the 'AQA GCSE DT NEA Practice Guide’
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-gcse-dt-nea-practice-guide-12181643
However it can be used independently.
Each column is a suggested page in the NEA. As students progress through, their work can be assessed page-by-page to give a GCSE grade standard (1-9). The grade is put in the corresponding column in the tracker. This is the only input required.
Features:
Auto generated section percentage
Auto generated section score (out of 10 for research, out of 20 for evaluation etc)
Auto generated overall score
Second tab: Auto generated visual progress tracker, in a bar chart showing students their overall current grade out of 100, with seperate bar sections showing where they are achieving their marks, and where they are lacking marks. This allows students to self-identify their area of focus to improve.
This tracker is intended for use when conducting a NEA practice, and is not intended for use with the live NEA, when students may require a less prescriptive approach
Guide for students on how the NEA (Non Exam Assessment) research, design, manufacture and evaluation process can be approached.
This covers suggestions for each stage.
Now includes editable version
Now also includes ultra-high resolution version of the NEA guide for high quality printing up to A0 size (841 x 1189 mm) for wall display
Complete Assessment Criteria for each section of the NEA, shown in a clear pathway for each stage of the NEA. This can be used for NEA practice as well as throughout the live NEA. The assessment criteria are for the top grade banding at each stage.
Included:
In depth guide for each individual stage including tips and things to avoid.
Pathway showing the assessment criteria (top grade band) for each stage of the research, design, manufacture and evaluation. This can be used as a student guide during practice and throughout the live NEA.
This guide is intended for use with GCSE DT (AQA) students as a NEA trial run before the start of the real NEA and is not intended to prescribe a specific way of undertaking the NEA.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology - Knowledge Organiser for all theory key words, with pictures and description.
Knowledge Organiser containing all of the key words needed for the AQA GCSE Design and Technology exam.
The sections in this knowledge organiser are aligned with the sections in the AQA GCSE Design and Technology revision guide by CGP Books.
This knowledge organiser is particularly effective when used in combination with our other theory resources to be found in our store.
Suggestions for use:
Print out the knowledge organisers as a booklet for your GCSE students.
Can be printed as wall posters.