June 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 dates
- 1 June - Contextual challenges release for GCSE D&T NEA
- Contextual challenge wording update - How Might We
- Recorded Exam support for GCSE and A level D&T Component 1.
- Training - GCSE Design and Technology: Low Cost Prototyping (Face-to-Face)
- Training - Fusion Fundamentals CAD Training
- JCQ guidance - Information for candidates of using social media and examinations/assessments
- 2025 Exam Feedback Surveys
Key date |
Activity |
Further information |
|---|---|---|
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 |
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.
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:
Training: GCSE Design and Technology: Low Cost Prototyping (Face-to-Face)
Join us and boost Your D&T Delivery with Low-Cost Prototyping & Robotics
We are offering a full-day, hands-on training session which is tailored for teachers delivering the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology course — even with limited resources. Learn practical strategies to guide students in creating low/no-cost prototypes using Microbits and LEGO® robotics.
What’s Included:
- Practical, budget-friendly prototyping methods
- Creative use of Microbits and LEGO® robotics
- 5 CPD hours + e-certificate
- Lunch provided
Expert Trainers:
- John Pinkney – LEGO® Education Academy Certified Trainer, Raising Robots
- Ed Charlwood – D&T Lead across MATs, Head of Education at CADclass, Autodesk Academic Partner
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
JCQ guidance - Information for candidates of using social media and examinations/assessments
At this time of year, awarding organisations receive lots of reports about websites and social media accounts claiming to have 2025 live assessment material available for sale (exam papers, mark schemes). We wanted to take this opportunity to remind our centres that any student found to have accessed or participated in the sharing of 'leaked' examination material will receive sanctions. Help us to protect the integrity of our assessments by reporting these accounts.
Contact us via pqsmalpractice@pearson.com
2025 Exam Feedback Surveys
Later this month, we will be sending out our 2025 Exam Feedback Surveys, feedback from these surveys help us to improve the experience of teachers using our qualifications and students sitting our exams. Your feedback is important to us so keep an eye on your inbox for the survey link.
Subject advisor
Evren Alibaba
Design and Technology
