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EnglandDesign and Technology

3.2 Specialist technical principles

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What impact does making and using products have on the planet and on people?

The ecological and social footprint of products, including the 6 Rs, the use of finite and non-finite resources, the impact of manufacturing on the environment, and the social impact of production and disposal.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Design and Technology specialist principle on the ecological and social footprint of products, covering the 6 Rs, finite and non-finite resources, manufacturing impacts and social responsibility.
9 min answer →

What forces act on products, and how can materials be reinforced to withstand them?

How materials and objects are affected by forces and stresses including tension, compression, bending, torsion and shear, and how materials can be reinforced and stiffened to resist them.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Design and Technology specialist principle on forces and stresses, covering tension, compression, bending, torsion and shear, and the techniques used to reinforce and stiffen materials.
9 min answer →

How does a designer choose the right material for a specific product?

The selection of materials and components, considering functional, aesthetic, environmental, availability, cost, social, cultural and ethical factors when choosing what a product is made from.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Design and Technology specialist principle on selecting materials and components, covering functional, aesthetic, environmental, cost, availability and ethical factors that influence the choice.
9 min answer →

Where do raw materials come from, and how are they turned into usable stock?

The sources and origins of materials and how they are converted into workable forms, including the growth and conversion of timber, the extraction and refining of metals, and the production of polymers from crude oil.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Design and Technology specialist principle on the sources and origins of materials, covering how timber, metals and polymers are sourced, extracted and converted into usable stock.
9 min answer →

What standard stock forms do materials come in, and how are products made in quantity?

Stock forms, types and sizes of materials and standard components, and the manufacturing processes and scales of production from one-off to mass and continuous production.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Design and Technology specialist principle on stock forms and manufacturing, covering standard stock forms and components, and the scales of production from one-off to continuous.
9 min answer →

Why are products finished, and which treatment suits each material?

Surface treatments and finishes applied for functional and aesthetic purposes, including finishes for timbers, metals and polymers, and how they protect and improve products.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Design and Technology specialist principle on surface treatments and finishes, covering finishes for timbers, metals and polymers and their functional and aesthetic purposes.
9 min answer →

What tools and techniques are used to shape, cut and join materials accurately?

Working with materials to make a prototype, including techniques for wastage, addition, deforming and reforming, and the use of tools and equipment to cut, shape, form and join materials safely and accurately.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Design and Technology specialist principle on working with materials, covering wastage, addition, deforming and reforming techniques, and using tools to cut, shape, form and join safely.
9 min answer →