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.
Design and Technology
Subject update |
8 May 2025
May 2025 Design and Technology update
This is the May 2025 Subject Advisor Update for Pearson Edexcel GCSE and A level Design and Technology qualifications.
- Key dates
- 15 May Deadline - Time to submit marks and samples for non-examined internal assessments –
- 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
- Support for teachers and students during summer exams
- External resources and competitions to enhance creativity in your curriculum
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 |
|---|---|---|
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 |
Time to submit marks and samples for non-examined internal assessments – Deadline 15 May
By 15 May 2025, centres must submit their Non-Examined Assessment marks and sample for moderation. Marks are submitted in Edexcel Online and Samples on Learner Work Transfer. Guidance on these below:
Submitting Marks on Edexcel Online
Submitting Samples on Learner Work Transfer
To understand how moderation works, please check out the guidance below. This will guide you on how the process works and when marks are adjusted.
Coursework Moderation of Internal Components and Mark Adjustments
If you require any support during this process, please do let me know. My details are at the end of this update, including a link to book a one-to-one meeting.
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:
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
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.
Support for teachers and students during summer exams
There's lots of support and guidance for you and your students with the Component 3 exams.
You can find information from Ofqual, JCQ and Pearson on exams, including 'top tips for exam day' for students - this guide includes exam advice, what happens after an exam and where to find more support.
Plus support for your students with exam stress and wellbeing
And we have a range of resources and support we have available to help you through the exam season. Have a look and find out more
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. |
Subject advisor
Evren Alibaba
Design and Technology
Facebook :
Phone :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535
(Teaching Services team | Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm GMT)
Subject updates
-
Contextual challenges
Contextual challenges for GCSE Design and Technology, Non-Examined Assessment for Summer 2026 submissions has been released on 1 June 2025 and can be accessed from the teaching and learning materials section of the qualification page.
-
Design and Technology update
This is the June 2025 Subject Advisor Update for Pearson Edexcel GCSE and A level Design and Technology qualifications.