Comparing GCSE Design and Technology and GCSE Art and Design
To save you time and help you compare our GCSE Design and Technology with our GCSE Art and Design, we’ve created some comparison tables.
These tables highlight the content and requirements side by side, so you can make the right choice for your students.
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For further information and resources, head to the subject pages of our new GCSE Design and Technology and Art and Design specifications
Assessment comparison
Component one
GCSE Design and Technology | GCSE Art and Design |
---|---|
Paper 1 | Component 1 |
Written exam | Portfolio |
Two hours | No time limit |
100 marks (50% of GCSE) | 96 marks (60% of GCSE) |
Section A – core technical principles (20 marks) A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding. Questions will require some knowledge of all material areas. Section B – specialist technical principles (30 marks) Several short answer questions (2-5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in-depth knowledge of technical principles. Questions can be answered using knowledge of just one chosen material area. Section C – designing and making principles (50 marks) A mixture of short answer and extended response questions. Questions can be answered using knowledge from just one chosen material area. | Component 1 – portfolio A portfolio that, in total, shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study. (Non-exam assessment set and marked by the school/college and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June). |
Component two
GCSE Design and Technology | GCSE Art and Design |
---|---|
Non-exam assessment (NEA) | Component 2 |
30 to 35 hours (approx) | Externally set assignment |
100 marks (50% of GCSE) | Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time |
The NEA can be completed using just one chosen material area | 96 marks (40% of GCSE) |
Tasks:
| Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives. NEA is set by us, marked by the school or college, and moderated by us during a visit. |
Subject content comparison
GCSE Design and Technology | GCSE Art and Design |
---|---|
3.1 Core technical principles
| 3.1 Knowledge and understanding |
3.2 Specialist technical principles
| 3.2 Skills
|
3.3 Designing and making principles
| 3.3 Titles
|
3.4 Art, craft and design | |
3.5 Fine art | |
3.6 Graphic communication | |
3.7 Textile design | |
3.8 Three-dimensional design | |
3.9 Photography |
Art and Design progression
There are no prior learning requirements for GCSE Art and Design. The specification allows for progression from KS3 whilst providing a strong foundation for further study at AS and A-level, as well as vocational pathways. To support this progression, the assessment objectives, structure and titles are very similar to those detailed in the AS and A- level Art and Design specification.