Cambridge IGCSE Design & Technology is divided into three specialist pathways: Graphic Products (which deals with the design and communication of ideas), Resistant Materials (which focuses on the manufacture of designs), and Systems & Control (which addresses how structures, mechanisms and electronics are used in design and manufacture). Our students follow the Graphic Products pathway.

Graphic Products aims to develop the skills that designers use within the context of their design activities in the design studio. It also aims to develop an awareness of the importance of communication and modelling techniques concerned with promotion and illustration of ideas and their interrelationship with all stages in commercial manufacture and promotion.

Aims

The aims are to enable learners to:

  • Develop creative thinking in areas relevant to design and technology.
  • Apply problem-solving skills to practical and technological problems.
  • Develop the communication skills central to design, realisation and evaluation.
  • Gain knowledge and understanding of design and technology.
  • Develop skills in research and investigation.
  • Design and make products, taking into consideration sustainability and the wider impact on society.
  • Develop the ability to make aesthetic, economic, ethical and technical value judgements.

Syllabus content

The syllabus is split into two content areas: Product Design and Graphic Products.

Product Design:

  • Gathering requirements and producing design briefs and specifications.
  • Generation of ideas.
  • Evaluation, selection and organisation of ideas.
  • Development of ideas and designs.
  • Implementation and realisation.
  • Health and safety.
  • Research and data gathering.
  • Design and technology in society (including aesthetic design movements).
  • Environment and sustainability.
  • Technology in design.

Graphic Products:

  • Formal drawing techniques (orthographic, oblique, planometric and isometric).
  • Projections, views and developments.
  • Presenting and communicating information.
  • Materials and modelling.
  • Use of drawing instruments and CAD/CAM software.
  • Manufacture of graphic products.

Additional equipment

All students will require:

  • Mathematical equipment set (set squares, protractor, compasses, ruler)
  • Set of drawing pencils (including at least HB and 2B)
  • Colouring pencils
  • Eraser

Students can also use:

  • Stencils
  • French curves
  • Flexicurves

Assessment

 

Paper title Duration and marks What’s in the paper? Percentage of final grade
Paper 1:
Product Design
1 hour 15 minutes
(50 Marks)
Written and drawing questions based on the Product Design section 25%
Paper 2:
Graphic Products
1 hour
(80 Marks)
Written and drawing questions based on the Graphic Products section 25%
Coursework Project 1 year
(100 Marks)
Student-designed project completed during home time and studio time. 50%

Find out more

You can find out more by visiting the qualification page on the Cambridge Assessment website.