Design and Technology- Planning
This subtopic introduces the essential role of planning when making a product, focusing on how structured preparation can lead to a higher-quality outcome and reduce errors. Learners explore how to outline a clear sequence of manufacturing steps, select appropriate materials and tools, and evaluate the effectiveness of a plan after execution. This ensures they can apply basic design and technology principles to creative projects such as building props, simple set pieces, or performance accessories in a media/performance arts context.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The WJEC Entry Level Certificate in Preparing for Work (Entry 3) is designed to help you develop the essential skills and knowledge needed to enter the workplace. This qualification covers key areas such as understanding different types of work, job roles, and the expectations employers have. You will learn how to search for jobs, complete application forms, and prepare for interviews, giving you a solid foundation for your future career.
This course is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which focuses on building practical, real-world skills. By studying this qualification, you will gain confidence in communicating with others, working as part of a team, and managing your time effectively. These skills are not only vital for getting a job but also for succeeding in any workplace environment.
The qualification is assessed through a portfolio of evidence, meaning you will collect examples of your work to demonstrate your understanding. This could include completed application forms, notes from mock interviews, or reflections on workplace visits. The emphasis is on practical application, so you will be actively preparing for work rather than just learning theory.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Types of employment: Understand the difference between full-time, part-time, temporary, and voluntary work, and how each fits different lifestyles and goals.
- →Job search skills: Learn how to use job websites, newspapers, and networking to find suitable vacancies, and how to interpret job descriptions and person specifications.
- →Application processes: Know how to complete application forms accurately, write a basic CV, and draft a covering letter that highlights your strengths.
- →Interview techniques: Practice answering common interview questions, dressing appropriately, and demonstrating good body language and communication skills.
- →Workplace expectations: Understand the importance of punctuality, teamwork, following instructions, and maintaining a positive attitude at work.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Know the importance of planning the making of a product, Be able to create a plan of manufacture, Be able to review a plan of manufacture
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating understanding that planning helps identify required resources (materials, tools) and saves time.
- Credit a simple written or visual plan that includes a logical step-by-step sequence for making a chosen product.
- Look for evidence that the learner has reviewed their plan against the actual making process, identifying at least one thing that worked well and one potential improvement.
- Acknowledge use of basic planning formats such as lists, flow charts, or simple sketches with annotations.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Ensure the plan of manufacture is presented in a clear, ordered format; bullet points or numbered steps are highly effective.
- 💡Always include a simple list of required materials and tools—this shows thorough planning and is an easy way to gain marks.
- 💡When reviewing, state explicitly what went according to plan and what could be improved, relating it to the quality of the final product.
- 💡If possible, include a rough sketch or diagram with labels; this demonstrates practical planning skills valued in design and technology assessments.
- 💡Use specific examples from your own experiences, such as school projects or part-time jobs, to support your answers in assessments. This shows you can apply what you've learned.
- 💡Keep a well-organised portfolio with clear labels and dates. Assessors look for evidence that you have completed each task thoroughly, so include drafts and final versions where possible.
- 💡Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member. Record yourself to check your body language and tone of voice. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Failing to link the planning stage to the final outcome, treating planning as a separate irrelevant task rather than a practical guide.
- Omitting key steps such as measuring, cutting, or assembling, leading to an incomplete plan that cannot be followed accurately.
- Writing a plan that is too vague, e.g., 'make a box', without specifying dimensions, materials, or joining methods.
- Not reviewing the plan properly—simply saying 'it was good' without any reflective comparison to the actual manufacturing process.
- Misconception: 'I don't need a CV for entry-level jobs.' Correction: Many employers, even for entry-level roles, ask for a CV. It shows you are organised and serious about the job.
- Misconception: 'Interviews are just about answering questions correctly.' Correction: Employers also look at your attitude, enthusiasm, and how you present yourself. Being polite and engaged is just as important as your answers.
- Misconception: 'Voluntary work isn't real work experience.' Correction: Voluntary work is highly valued by employers as it shows initiative, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for WJEC-CBAC Design and Technology- Planning
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic literacy and numeracy skills (Entry 3 level) to complete application forms and understand job adverts.
- •Some experience of working in a team, for example through group projects in school or extracurricular activities.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Know the importance of planning the making of a product, Be able to create a plan of manufacture, Be able to review a plan of manufacture
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