WJEC A-Level Design and Technology
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10 topics
Course topics4 topics
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
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
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Failing to distinguish between different scales of production (e.g., mass vs. batch) in design decisions
- •Neglecting the implications of planned obsolescence in product lifecycle analysis
- •Inadequate understanding of how to interface electronic inputs/outputs with mechanical systems
- •Confusing destructive and non-destructive testing methods
- •Lack of detail in explaining the commercial viability of a product
- •Failing to justify material selection based on specific criteria like performance or cost.
- •Inadequate use of modelling or prototyping to inform design decisions.
- •Poor communication of design intentions, leading to ambiguity.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Ensure you can explain the relationship between material cost, form, and manufacturing processes
- •Be prepared to discuss the impact of legislation and regulations on product design and manufacture
- •Use specific examples of mechatronic systems when discussing interfacing
- •Focus on the 'why' behind testing methods—how do they specifically inform design modifications?
- •Relate your answers to real-world engineering contexts and modern manufacturing trends
- •Ensure you can explain the relationship between material properties and their suitability for specific manufacturing processes.
- •Be prepared to analyze products using reverse engineering techniques.
- •Practice writing specific, measurable performance criteria for design specifications.
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