July 2025 Design and Technology update
This is the June 2025 Subject Advisor Update for Pearson Edexcel GCSE and A level Design and Technology qualifications.
Key date |
Activity |
Further information |
|---|---|---|
| 24 June | GCSE Question papers | Access past papers from the course materials section of the qualification pages |
| 1 July | A level Question papers | Access past papers from the course materials section of the qualification pages |
| 15 July | A level Mark Schemes | Access past papers from the course materials section of the qualification pages |
| 22 July | GCSE Mark schemes | Access past papers from the course materials section of the qualification pages |
14 August |
Results days for A levels |
|
21 August |
Results days for GCSE |
|
As we have previously communicated, the contextual challenges had a wording update. Please see below information.
Contextual challenge wording update - How Might We
We have modified the wording at the beginning of our contextual challenges to adopt a more explorative approach to design thinking.
This change aligns with how designers in the industry tackle problems—by using methods that encourage collaboration, open-ended inquiry, and creative confidence. Specifically, we have incorporated the "How Might We" (HMW) phrase at the start of our problem statements to better support innovative and targeted ideation sessions.
Summer 2025 question papers and mark schemes
As per the key dates above, question papers and mark schemes for GCSE and A level qualifications from Summer 2025 series will be released on the qualification website, under the course materials sections. Please use links below to directly navigate to the past papers.
2025 Exam Feedback Surveys
To enable us to improve the experience of teachers using our qualifications and students sitting our exams, we gather feedback after each exam series. If you're a teacher, and your students have taken any of our exams in the May/June 2025 series, we are eager to hear your thoughts.
Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of our qualifications and assessments. Your input will be shared with our senior examiners and across our subject teams to help us continuously improve future assessments and enhance the exam experience for students. Please complete our short surveys below. Thank you.
Training: Fusion Fundamentals CAD Training
Fusion Fundamentals is an intensive one-day course designed specifically for educators, facilitated by experienced instructors from CADclass.org.
This teach the teacher workshop equips you with both technical CAD skills and effective teaching strategies to deliver your Design and Technology curriculum.
What You'll LearnIn this hands-on workshop, you'll master foundational CAD principles through engaging projects—from donuts to rockets—that you can immediately implement in your classroom. The curriculum includes:
- 2D Sketching: Creating, constraining, and dimensioning sketches
- 3D Modeling: Techniques including extrude, revolve, and sweep operations
- Model Refinement: Applying fillets, chamfers, splits, and appearances
- Assembly Creation: Combining components into moving designs
- Documentation: Producing technical drawings, animations, and renderings
- Manufacturing Preparation: Exporting 2D files for laser cutting and 3D files for printing/CNC
GCSE and A level Design and Technology: All Set for 2025/2026 Support Session
These free online events, delivered by our D&T Subject Advisor Evren Alibaba, supports teachers delivering Pearson Edexcel GCSE and A level Design and Technology. The training covers the expectations and updates for the upcoming academic year.
You will:
- receive a reminder about Review of Results
- explore grade boundaries and grade statistics for the Summer 2025 series
- review the contextual challenges for 2025/2026 NEA
- explore resources and materials for teaching and learning for Component 1 and 2
- review upcoming training
- have the opportunity to ask questions.
Please note: A recording of the event will be available to attendees within three days of the event. We will also be releasing a copy on our YouTube channel, accessible via the Professional Development Academy, later in the term.
This event counts as 1 hour of CPD.
Book your place:
| Event | Date and time | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| GCSE Design and Technology All set for 2025/2026 | 10 September 2025 at 16:00-17:00 BST | Register |
| A level Design and Technology All set for 2025/2026 | 11 September 2025 at 16:00-17:00 BST | Register |
Subject advisor
Evren Alibaba
Design and Technology
