DT Product Design

course information

From September 2026, students in Wales will follow a new WJEC GCSE Design and Technology specification, written to match the Curriculum for Wales. One of the main routes within this subject is Product Design. This course is about learning how everyday products are designed, made, and improved. It focuses on creativity, problem-solving, practical skills, and understanding how design affects people and the environment.

The new specification places less emphasis on memorising long lists of facts and more emphasis on thinking like a designer. Students are encouraged to explore real-world problems, develop ideas, test solutions, and reflect on how well their designs work. This helps them build skills that are useful both in further education and in future careers.

How Students Are Assessed

The GCSE is made up of two assessed parts:

• Written Examination (30%)
  A final exam that tests students’ understanding of design principles, materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability, and how products are designed and made.

• Non-Exam Assessment – Design and Make Project (70%)
  A substantial coursework project where students respond to a design challenge set by WJEC. They research the problem, develop ideas, plan their work, make a prototype, and evaluate how successful their design is.

Why This GCSE Is Useful

This qualification supports the aims of the Curriculum for Wales by helping learners become creative, confident, and thoughtful problem-solvers. It develops practical making skills alongside critical thinking and communication. GCSE Product Design is particularly useful for students who enjoy hands-on learning and may be interested in future pathways such as design, engineering, manufacturing, architecture, or other creative and technical careers.