March 2021 Design and Technology update
Welcome to your March 2021 update for Design and Technology.
At the end of February 2021, we had the Ofqual consultation outcome,which has clarified the approach for summer 2021 awarding. We are now in the process of working on the details of this outcome and will provide you further guidance and support from the end of March to help you collect evidence and determine a Qualification-level Teacher Assessed Grade (TAG).
Pearson update
The Pearson Qualification bulletin issue 4, sent to centres clarifies where we are, following on from the consultation. You can access the bulletin below.
Ofqual consultation outcome
On 25 February the Department for Education and Ofqual confirmed arrangements for how this year’s GCSE and A level results will be graded and issued to students. We're now working through the detail of these arrangements to understand what they mean for schools, colleges, teachers and students, including those taking our international general qualifications.
Access the Ofqual consultation outcome
Non-examined assessment for GCSE and A level D&T
Please do carry on with the NEA component of GCSE and A level Design and Technology as much as possible, and with the previously communicated adaptations in place, in which learners can make a proof of concept model.
You can access the adaptation documents and exemplars for GCSE and A level D&T below.
Ofqual have confirmed, following the publication of their decisions on assessment arrangements for summer 2021, that candidates should continue to be given the opportunity to complete non-exam assessment (NEA) . The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has released guidance for centres on how to complete and authenticate non-exam assessment remotely, where it is safe and possible to do so.
Ofqual have also confirmed that NEA will not be moderated by the exam boards. The evidence from NEA will be used by teachers to inform their Teacher Assessed Grade (TAG). We know that teachers may be concerned about how to assess incomplete NEA evidence when a candidate has been unable to finish their work through no fault of their own. The exam boards are working together to provide additional guidance to help centres in these circumstances.
Summer 2021 exam support
For more information, guidance and support, please visit the summer 2021 exam support page from the link below. From here, you can also sign up to support through the Pearson Professional Development Academy.
Subject advisor
Evren Alibaba
Design and Technology
