V&A Innovate and resources
V&A Innovate is an annual National Schools Challenge, asking students in years 7, 8 and 9 to work in teams of 4 – 6 to design a solution to a real-world problem.
Deadline for entry is 10 January 2025.
April 2025 Design and Technology update
3 April 2025
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This is the April 2025 Subject Advisor Update for Pearson Edexcel GCSE and A level Design and Technology qualifications.
If you would like to read last month's update, you can access it below:
Here are the key dates ahead for your diaries. Please note the entry deadline for GCSE and A level qualifications for Summer 2025 series.
Key date |
Activity |
Further information |
|---|---|---|
mid-April |
NEA sample visible in Edexcel Online |
Check instructions here |
15 May |
Submission deadline for GCSE and A level D&T NEA samples and marks |
|
1 June |
GCSE D&T NEA Contextual challenge release for Summer 2026 awarding. |
|
02 June, am |
A level D&T Component 1 exam |
|
18 June, am |
GCSE D&T Component 1 exam |
|
14 August |
Results days for A levels |
|
21 August |
Results days for GCSE |
A level Design and Technology - Exemplar library launch!
We are very pleased to present you the A level Design and Technology exemplar library for Component 2, Non-Examined Assessment.
In this library, you can access:
- Graded exemplars
- Examiner commentary
- Link to grid level evidence
- Link to full portfolio evidence
In the link below, you can access the exemplar library, alongside a video guide to help you navigate the library.
Recorded Exam support pack for GCSE and A level D&T Component 1
To support your students revision for the Component 1 exams, we have produced recorded support for Component 1 exams. The packs include the slides and recording. The materials cover a range of exam questions, how they were answered and marked.
Access the packs below:
March F2F NEA marking event - training materials
On 6 March, we had our face to face marking and moderation event in London. We look forward to meeting with you in future face to face events in the next academic year.
The materails that were used in the event have been published online. Access them below:
Design Council
Championing design excellence, the Design Council UK drives innovation and sustainable growth through strategic design. By fostering collaboration across sectors, it aims to create a more inclusive world through design. Teachers can access a wealth of resources, including guides on inclusive design, and tools for running design workshops.
Design Ventura and other resources
A free, annual design challenge for students in years 9, 10 and 11. Registrations are open for schools to enter the competition. From June, visit the display to discover the top ten shortlisted projects alongside the winner idea.
Design and Technology Association
Design and Technology Association provides useful resources, training and events for teachers.
Please visit their website and navigate and take a look at their website.
Oak Academy
There are various KS3 teaching and learning resources available from Oak Academy, which can successfully be used as part of a rich programme to prepare learners for GCSE D&T.
Their AI powered lesson planner, Aila, is also worth to check out.
| Name | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| TDI Challenge | Organized by the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), this competition invites students to submit a design for a new product or concept, along with a two-minute video showcasing its application and benefits. It's a great way to use your school or college coursework or develop a new idea. Age Range: 14-19 years |
Deadline for entries is May 31, 2025. The final event will be held on July 9, 2025. |
| Big Bang Competition | One of the UK's largest STEM competitions, it encourages students to showcase their STEM projects, with categories including engineering and design. Winners can earn prestigious awards and opportunities to represent the UK at international science fairs. Age Range: 11-18 years |
Registration typically opens in September, with project submissions due by February. The finals are held in March. |
| F1 in Schools | This global competition challenges students to design, build, and race miniature Formula 1 cars. It's a fantastic way to apply engineering and design skills in a competitive and fun environment. Teams compete at regional, national, and international levels. Age Range: 9-19 years. |
Regional finals are held throughout the year, with national finals usually in March and the world finals in September. |
| Engineering Competitions by Born To Engineer | These competitions help students develop crucial skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving while providing insights into STEM careers. Special prizes are also available from competition partners.
|
Various competitions throughout the year. |
With the revision season well under way we'd like to share our student guide with top tips on preparing for exams, where to find further support and what happens once exams end. Download the guide and pass it on to your students.
Ofqual have provided information for students about arrangements for regulated qualifications. This explains what your students need to know before, during and after exams and assessments.
The Joint Council for Qualifications has published their key dates document for the June 2025 exam cycle. Two dates have been set aside as contingency in the event of national or significant local disruption to exams in the UK:
- 11 June – afternoon session
- 25 June – full day
> Download the JCQ Key dates in the examination cycle guide
Subject advisor
Evren Alibaba
Design and Technology
Facebook :
Phone :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535
(Teaching Services team | Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm GMT)
