WJEC GCSE Digital Technology non-exam assessment (NEA): Units 2 and 3 overview

The non-exam assessment (NEA) is the practical coursework part of WJEC GCSE Digital Technology. This concise overview explains how it fits the qualification and how the theory from Unit 1, especially the systems development life cycle, is applied to create real digital products. It is not extra examinable content: for the exact tasks, conditions and rules, always use the current WJEC documents and your teacher's guidance.

How the qualification is assessed

WJEC GCSE Digital Technology combines an examination with practical coursework.

The NEA components are completed under supervised conditions in your centre, marked against WJEC's criteria and then moderated.

What the NEA involves

In the NEA you respond to a brief by planning and creating digital products (which can include digital media and digital solutions) using appropriate software and tools. You produce both the product and evidence of your process: your analysis of the requirements, your designs, your testing, and an evaluation against the brief.

Applying the systems development life cycle

The Unit 1 theory becomes practical skill in the NEA. Strong work follows the life cycle:

1. Analyse the brief to identify the requirements.
2. Design the solution before building it.
3. Develop the product to match the design.
4. Test it against the requirements and fix problems.
5. Evaluate how well it meets the brief and what could be improved.

Clear evidence of each stage, with links between them, is what gains marks.

Working safely, legally and responsibly

You must respect copyright (use only material you are allowed to use), handle any personal data properly under data protection rules, and work safely. These are the same legal and ethical points covered in Unit 1, applied to your own practical work.

How to do well in the NEA

1. Read the brief carefully and base everything on its requirements.
2. Plan before building - designs are assessed and lead to a better product.
3. Test thoroughly and record what you tested and fixed.
4. Evaluate honestly against the brief and suggest improvements.
5. Follow the current WJEC rules and your centre's instructions exactly.

The NEA page

A focused overview page with worked examples and cross-links:

• Non-exam assessment overview

For the official specification

WJEC publishes the full Digital Technology specification, the NEA documents and key dates at wjec.co.uk. The exact NEA tasks, conditions and deadlines are set by WJEC and can change, so always work from the current documents and your teacher's guidance.