Component 2: Non-examined assessment (NEA) - Make

Component 2: Non-examined assessment (NEA) - Make is the practical culmination of your GCSE Design and Technology course. This component requires you to manufacture a high-quality, functional prototype based on your own design brief and specification. It accounts for 50% of your total GCSE grade, so mastering this component is essential for success. The 'Make' phase focuses on your ability to select and use appropriate materials, tools, and processes to bring your design to life, demonstrating precision, safety, and problem-solving skills.

This component is not just about making something that looks good; it's about showing that you can work accurately and efficiently, making adjustments as needed to achieve a fully working prototype. You will need to document your making process through photographs and annotations, explaining your choices and modifications. This evidence is crucial for the examiner to understand your decision-making and technical competence. The skills you develop here—such as measuring, cutting, joining, and finishing—are directly transferable to further education and careers in engineering, product design, and manufacturing.

The NEA Make component is the final stage of a design process that began with research and idea generation. It tests your ability to apply theoretical knowledge from Component 1 (written exam) to a practical context. Success in this component demonstrates that you can not only design but also realise your ideas, a key skill for any designer or engineer. By the end of this component, you should have a fully functional prototype that meets your specification and a portfolio of evidence showing your journey from design to finished product.