OCR A-Level Design and Technology
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Course OCR-A-Level-Design-and-Technology
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9 topics
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
A*/Grade 9
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
- Uses correct subject-specific terminology
- Shows detailed understanding of concepts
- Makes accurate connections between topics
- Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge
Application
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
- Selects relevant knowledge for the question
- Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
- Uses examples appropriately
- Shows awareness of context
Analysis & Evaluation
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
- Constructs logical chains of reasoning
- Considers multiple perspectives
- Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
- Acknowledges limitations and nuances
Key Command Words
OCR
State
1 mark
Give a single fact or term
Identify
1 mark
Name or select
Describe
2-4 marks
Account of process or features
Explain
3-6 marks
Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes
Analyse
6-9 marks
Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome
Evaluate
9-12 marks
Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Superficial evaluation of strengths and weaknesses without clear suggestions for modification.
- •Failure to link testing methods back to the technical specification.
- •Lack of objective stakeholder feedback during the testing phase.
- •Ignoring commercial factors like cost, packaging, and marketability when assessing viability.
- •Inadequate use of physical testing (destructive/non-destructive) to inform design iterations.
- •Superficial analysis that lacks depth or critical evaluation.
- •Failing to link the analysis of existing products to the learner's own design decisions.
- •Ignoring the impact of wider issues (social, moral, environmental) when evaluating products.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Ensure evaluation is systematic and objective, not just descriptive.
- •Always relate testing results back to the original stakeholder requirements and technical specification.
- •When discussing commercial viability, consider the full range of factors including supply/demand, promotion, and manufacturing costs.
- •Use specific examples of testing methods (e.g., destructive vs. non-destructive) to demonstrate technical understanding.
- •Reference relevant standards (BSI/ISO) where appropriate to show an understanding of quality assurance.
- •Use specific design and technology terminology when analysing products.
- •Ensure analysis is critical rather than just descriptive; explain 'why' and 'how' features are used.
- •Consider the product from multiple perspectives: user, manufacturer, and environmental.
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