← Design and Technology syllabus

WalesDesign and Technology

Unit 1: Materials and their properties

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys differ, and what is each used for?

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, named examples such as mild steel, aluminium, copper, brass and stainless steel, their properties and why alloys are made.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on metals, covering ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys with named examples such as mild steel, aluminium, copper, brass and stainless steel, their properties, uses, and why alloys are made.
9 min answer →

What are the main papers and boards, and what is each one used for?

Common papers and boards including layout, cartridge, tracing and grid paper, and corrugated card, foam board, mount board and duplex board, their properties, weights and uses.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on papers and boards, covering layout, cartridge, tracing and grid papers and corrugated, foam, mount and duplex boards, how paper and board are measured, and what each is used for in designing and modelling.
9 min answer →

How do thermoforming and thermosetting polymers differ, and what is each used for?

Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers, named examples such as acrylic, HIPS, PET, PP and epoxy resin, their properties and uses, and the difference in how they respond to heat.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on polymers, covering thermoforming and thermosetting polymers with named examples such as acrylic, HIPS, PET, polypropylene and epoxy resin, their properties and uses, and how they respond to heat.
9 min answer →

What physical and working properties make a material right for a job?

The physical and mechanical properties of materials, including strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, malleability, elasticity, density and conductivity, and how they guide material selection.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on material properties, covering physical properties such as density and conductivity and mechanical working properties such as strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, malleability and elasticity, and how they guide material choice.
9 min answer →

How are textiles classified, and what are natural, synthetic and blended fibres used for?

Natural, synthetic and regenerated fibres and named examples, woven, knitted and non-woven fabric construction, and why fibres are blended.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on textiles, covering natural, synthetic and regenerated fibres with named examples, woven, knitted and non-woven fabric construction, the properties of each, and why fibres are blended.
9 min answer →

How do hardwoods, softwoods and manufactured boards differ, and what is each used for?

Hardwoods and softwoods, named examples and their properties, and manufactured boards such as plywood, MDF and chipboard, with their advantages and uses.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Design and Technology content on timber, covering the difference between hardwoods and softwoods with named examples, and manufactured boards such as plywood, MDF and chipboard, including their properties, advantages and uses.
9 min answer →