β Wales Design and Technology
Wales Β· WJECSyllabus
Design and Technology syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the Wales Design and Technologysyllabus, with a focused answer for each one. Click any dot point for a worked explainer, past exam questions, and links to related dot points. Written by Claude Opus 4.8, Anthropic's latest AI.
Unit 1 Technical Principles
Module overview β- How are materials classified, and how do you justify the right one for a product?Classification of papers and boards, timbers, metals, polymers and textiles into families, and the criteria used to select a material for a given product and context.12 min answer β
- How is a material shaped into a product, and which process suits which job?The main categories of manufacturing process - wasting, shaping by casting and moulding, deforming and reforming, fabrication and joining - and how the chosen process depends on material, form and scale.13 min answer β
- Where do materials come from, and in what standard forms are they supplied?The sources, origins and primary processing of materials (timber seasoning and conversion, metal extraction, polymerisation of crude oil, fibre sources) and the standard stock forms in which they are bought.11 min answer β
- Why and how are surfaces treated and finished after a product is made?The reasons for applying surface treatments and finishes (protection, durability, aesthetics, hygiene) and named finishes for timber, metal and polymer such as varnish, paint, galvanising, anodising, powder coating and self-finishing.11 min answer β
- How can products be designed and made to reduce their environmental impact?The 6 Rs (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle) and the ecological and social footprint of products, including finite and non-finite resources and responsible material sourcing.12 min answer β
- What physical and mechanical properties decide how a material performs and is worked?Physical and mechanical working properties of materials - strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, malleability, elasticity, plasticity, density, durability, electrical and thermal conductivity - and how they govern selection and processing.12 min answer β
Unit 2 Design and Make Task
Module overview βUnit 3 Technical Principles
Module overview β- How do composites and technical textiles combine materials to outperform a single material?Composite materials (GRP, CFRP, concrete, plywood) that combine a matrix and reinforcement, and technical and performance textiles (Gore-Tex, Kevlar, microfibres, conductive textiles) engineered for specific functions.12 min answer β
- How does the planned scale of production shape the way a product is designed and made?Scales of production (one-off, batch, mass and continuous), design for manufacture and assembly, tolerances, quality control and the use of jigs, templates and standard components.12 min answer β
- How have designers, companies and design movements shaped products and design practice?The influence of past and present designers, design companies and design movements (Bauhaus, Art Deco, Memphis, Modernism) on the styling, function and values of products.12 min answer β
- How do designers generate, develop and communicate ideas effectively?Design strategies (user-centred, iterative and collaborative design) and methods of communicating design ideas - freehand and formal drawing, modelling, CAD and CAM - and their roles in development.12 min answer β
- How is an electronic product built from input, process and output sub-systems, and where do programmable components fit?Electronic systems as input-process-output sub-systems, common sensors and components, and programmable components (microcontrollers) that make products smarter, more functional and reprogrammable.12 min answer β
- How is a product's full environmental impact assessed, and how can design reduce it at every stage?Life cycle assessment (raw materials, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal) and design strategies that lower impact across the life cycle, including design for disassembly, repair and recycling.12 min answer β
- How do mechanisms change the type, direction and magnitude of movement and force?Types of motion (linear, rotary, reciprocating, oscillating) and mechanical devices - levers, linkages, gears, pulleys, cams and followers, cranks - that change motion and provide mechanical advantage.13 min answer β
- What are smart and modern materials, and how do their responsive properties enable new products?Smart materials that respond to a change in their environment (shape memory alloys, thermochromic and photochromic pigments, quantum tunnelling composite, electroluminescent and piezoelectric materials) and modern materials developed through new processes.12 min answer β
- How do forces act on a structure, and how is a structure designed to resist them?Types of force (tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion) and stress in structures, and techniques for reinforcing and strengthening structures (triangulation, webbing, beams, folding and laminating).12 min answer β
- What are the wider social, moral, ethical and commercial responsibilities of a designer?The wider impact of design - social, moral and ethical issues, inclusive design, standards and legislation, the consequences of consumerism, and the role of enterprise and the designer's responsibilities.12 min answer β