GCSE Design and Technology - Teaching from 2026
Teaching: Sept 2026
Reference Codes
The construct of the GCSE Design and Technology qualification is based on the Welsh Government subject specific considerations for Science and Technology.
The qualification will:
- through the design and development process, allow learners to explore and respond to
various contexts and to reflect on their own work while engaging in rich, authentic
experiences.
The following statements for the GCSE Design and Technology qualification are based on the Welsh Government statements of what matters for Science and Technology:
- being curious and searching for answers is essential to understanding and predicting phenomena
- design thinking and engineering offer technical and creative ways to meet society’s needs and wants
- the world around us is full of living things which depend on each other for survival
- matter and the way it behaves defines our universe and shapes our lives
- forces and energy provide a foundation for understanding our universe
- computation is the foundation for our digital world.
The GCSE Design and Technology qualification will support the Curriculum for Wales by supporting the principles of progression by:
- increasing effectiveness as a learner by developing application of skills
- increasing breadth and depth of knowledge by exploring and experiencing increasingly complex ideas and concepts
- deepening understanding of the ideas and disciplines and experience
- developing learners’ ability to investigate, explore, problem-solve and design both in the physical and digital environments
- allowing learners to make connections and transfer their learning into new contexts
Our Digital Resources Team is developing resources to support the new topics which are being introduced within this new Made-for-Wales qualification. The list of resources which will be available for this subject is below.
| Core knowledge and understanding | New and emerging technologies |
| Modern and smart materials | |
| Sustainable design | |
| Energy storage and renewability | |
| Contemporary design thinking; historical and cultural influences | |
| Engineering Design | Ferrous and non-ferrous metals |
| Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers | |
| Modern, smart and emerging materials and technology | |
| Electronic and control systems | |
| Forces and movement | |
| Surface finishes and treatments | |
| Stock forms of materials and components | |
| Engineering manufacture and industry | |
| Fashion and textiles | Natural, synthetic, blended and mixed fibres |
| Woven, knitted and non-woven textiles | |
| Technical textiles | |
| Modern and smart materials | |
| Stock forms of materials and components | |
| Surface finishes and treatments | |
| Specialist techniques and processes | |
| The fashion and textile industry | |
| Product design | Natural and manufactured timbers |
| Thermoforming and thermosetting plastics | |
| Smart and modern materials | |
| Specialist techniques and processes | |
| Surface finishes and treatments | |
| Stock forms of materials and components | |
| Product manufacture and industry |
Have a question about GCSE Design and Technology - Teaching from 2026?
Subject Officer
Our subject team is happy to help you with all your queries related to the teaching and learning of our specifications. Our Subject Officers are all former teachers and are here to support you with delivering our qualifications. Get in touch with us via e-mail or telephone.
Subject Support Officer
Our Subject Support Officers are on hand to answer any of your queries.
Jodie Mearing-Lane
02922 404 303
