Our offer for AS and A Level Design and Technology

Balanced and accessible assessment structure:

• A Level - three components - iterative design project makes up 50% of the qualification, with the remaining 50% covered by two exam papers. Both papers are of similar length to reduce the cognitive burden on students.
• AS Level - two components - an iterative design project and one exam paper, each carrying equal weight, making up 50% of the qualification.

Optionality. Choose from three specialist routes, each offering subject-specific knowledge: design engineering, fashion and textiles, and product design. Each specialist route includes tailored content for both the exam materials and the non-exam assessment.

Comprehensive curriculum. The OCR Design and Technology A Level offers a well-rounded curriculum that encourages students to develop both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, giving them a strong foundation for further education or careers in design-related fields.

Strong focus on problem-solving: With an emphasis on iterative design and problem-solving, the OCR course equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued both in higher education and industry.

Sensible ways of marking. We take a truly holistic approach to marking, with clear assessment criteria that are easy for you and your students to follow.

Iterative design project: The marking criteria are divided into five clear bands, assessed across five strands, using a 'best fit' approach to differentiate learners' work.

We offer plenty of support. Our support materials offer a variety of resources, including teaching and learning guides, candidate exemplars, CPD course bookings, and more, all accessible on Teach Cambridge. We also offer free subject specialist support to all centres via our subject advisor team.