Design and Technology Revision — Cambridge OCR Alternative Academic Qualification
Complete Cambridge OCR Alternative Academic Qualification Design and Technology specification revision resources. Tailored syllabus coverage with topic breakdowns, quizzes, and practice questions.
Specification Topics
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Manufacturing in quantity
- Fundamentals of mechanical, electrical/electronic and fluid power engineering
- Promoting continuous improvement
- Engineering in practice
- Electrical, electronic engineering – operations and application
- Engineering systems control - operations and application
- Develop and present engineering 2D and 3D design solutions
- Programmable electronics
- Principles of electronic and programmable systems
- Project management for engineers
- Product manufacture and fabrication
- Communicating designs
- Mechanical product design
- Making and testing electronic circuits
- Application of engineering principles
- Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
- Electrical devices and circuits
- Design evaluation and modelling
- Developing programmable systems
- Principles of engineering
- Mechanical engineering - machine operations
- Principles of engineering design
- Principles of engineering manufacture
- Materials science and technology
- Optimise and maintain performance in engineering systems
- Manufacturing a one-off product
Top Exam Board Tips
- Practice using standard CAD software shortcuts.
- Check model integrity with interference detection.
- Ensure drawings follow industry standards (e.g., BS 8888).
- Understand the difference between batch and mass production.
- Focus on efficiency and quality control.
- Be familiar with common CNC programming codes.
- Practice unit conversions and formula rearrangements.
- Use diagrams to explain material properties and classifications.
- Memorise common symbols for fluid power components.
- Use SMART criteria when setting improvement objectives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect use of constraints leading to assembly errors.
- Missing dimensions or annotations on technical drawings.
- Overcomplicating models instead of using efficient methods.
- Neglecting safety checks before production runs.
- Incorrectly setting up CNC parameters.
- Failing to consider material waste reduction.
- Confusing units or incorrect conversions.
- Misapplying formulas due to lack of understanding of variables.
Key Terminology & Definitions
- Produce 3D models using Computer Aided Design (CAD), Create a 3D assembly of multiple components within a CAD software, Creating technical drawings from 3D models, Simulations in 3D modelling
- Preparing for manufacture, Develop programmes to operate CNC equipment, Safely use processes and equipment to make products in quantity
- Know what common SI units and their derivatives are and how to use them in engineering, Know how to classify common engineering materials, Know physical properties of engineering materials in relation to mechanics, motion and forces, Know how to calculate mechanical motion and force, Know electrical and electronic principles for electronic control and electrical motion, Know how to recognise fluid power components and their symbols and calculate fluid power
- Be able to reflect on own performance and performance of systems, processes or artefacts, Be able to develop a plan for improvements to a system, process or artefact, Be able to implement a plan to make improvements
- Product analysis, Produce Computer Aided Design (CAD) mechanical and electronic engineering drawings, Plan the safe manufacture of mechanical prototype and an electronic circuit prototype, Manufacturing processes, Evaluate a prototype
- Be able to work safely when undertaking electrical operations, Be able to construct electronic circuits by interpreting circuit diagrams, Be able to test electronic circuits for functionality
- Programmable device architecture
- Sensor and transducer integration
- Actuator control mechanisms
- System construction and wiring
- Programming for automation
- System testing and fault diagnosis
- Be able to create 2D and 3D drawings to present engineering components, Be able to save, store, organise and retrieve engineering drawings, Be able to produce and modify 2D drawing(s) using 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, Be able to produce 3D solid model(s) using Computer Aided Design (CAD), Be able to produce 2D CAD engineering drawing from a 3D solid model
- Microcontrollers and microcontroller systems, Using input and output devices and other electronic components in microcontroller systems, Designing, developing, and assembling microcontroller-based programmable systems, Programming microcontrollers
- Basic electronic circuit principles, Electronic and programmable systems, components and devices, Methods of prototyping and testing systems and circuits, Commercial circuit production and construction methods