GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
GCSE Controlled Assessment
The term Controlled Assessment simply means that the project work
that you do is controlled. The design tasks are controlled by the exam
board, the time you can allocate to the project is controlled, you need to
be able to authenticate your work, you can not get specific feedback
from your teachers and you are expected to complete your work within
the allocated time frames.
These controls mean that:
All students complete their assessments in the same way,
Assessments are fairer and more reliable,
You get the marks you deserve.
Your teacher prepares you for the Controlled Assessment project and
gives you the advice and support that you will need such as how and
where to research information.
We recommend that you keep sketchbook or a folder in which you can:
Make a note of all the books, websites etc. that you have used in your
research.
Keep your information, notes, ideas & sketches together.
Record your group work as you may be allowed to work in groups on
certain activities,
Your teacher will explain what reference materials and resources you
may use and how your assessments have to be completed.
It is important that you follow these rules:
Only hand in work that is your own,
Do not allow other students to copy your work,
If you use another persons text, you must credit the author, especially if
you have copied work directly from books, the internet or other
sources,
If you have any questions or concerns about Controlled Assessment
please discuss them with your teacher.
Other Important Facts:

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
Your controlled assessment project makes up 60% of your D&T
course,
It spans five terms (from now through to the end of the Spring
term in B),
All your work must be fully completed by the end of the Spring
Term in B.
You must keep up with internal deadlines.

Title Page: (Candidate Name & No, Centre Name & No, Course Title & Code, Project Title &
Photograph)

Contents:

(Detailing all page titles and page numbers)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Start:
January 2016
Section 1: Investigating the Design Context (8 marks)
1) Introduction of to the Project
2) Research General & Primary
3) Research Product Analysis
4) Research Similar & Existing Products
5) Design Specification
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Submission:
February 2016
Section 2: Development of Design Proposals (32 marks)
6) Generation of Initial Ideas
7) Generation of Initial Ideas
8) Evaluation & Selection of Ideas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Submission: April 2016
9) Development of Chosen Idea (via sketching, modelling & CAD including research)
10)
Development of Chosen Idea (via sketching, modelling & CAD including
research)
11)
Development of Chosen Idea (via sketching, modelling & CAD including
research)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Submission: June 2016
12)
Orthographic Drawing
13)
Exploded Drawing & Components Parts List
14)
Plan of Manufacture
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submission:
October 2016
Section 3: Manufacture (32 marks)
The product should demonstrate:

A high level of making skills and accuracy,

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

Appropriate use of tools, materials, & technologies,

Skilful & safe and independent working,
A Commercially viable outcome, suited to its target market,
Quality control.
15)
16)

Photographic Record of Progress,

Photographs of Final Product.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PRACTICAL DEADLINE February 2017

Section 4: Testing & Evaluation (8 marks)
17)
Testing & Evaluation
18)
External Evaluation & Evaluation against Specification
19)
Strengths & Weaknesses of Product
20)
Development & Modifications for Commercial Production
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FINAL SUBMISSION March 2017

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

Pag
e

Page Title

Completed

Title Page
Contents Page
1

Introduction to the Project

Research General & Primary

Research Product Analysis

Research Similar & Existing Products

Design Specifications

Generation of Initial Ideas

Generation of Initial Ideas

Evaluation & Selection of Ideas

Development of Chosen Idea -via sketching, modelling or

CAD

10

Development of Chosen Idea -via sketching, modelling or

CAD

11

Development of Chosen Idea Design Implications

12

Orthographic Drawing (CAD)

13

Exploded Drawing (CAD) & Components Parts List

14

Plan of Manufacture

15

Photographic Record of Manufacture

16

Photographs of Final Product

17

Testing & Evaluation

18

External Evaluation & Evaluation against Specification

19

Strengths & Weaknesses of Product

20

Development & Modifications Required for Commercial

Manufacture

Section 1 - Investigating the Design Context (8 marks)

1) Introduction of to the Project (1 page)
This page should be divided by the following six sub headings:

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

Context & Brief simply copy up the syllabus context & brief.
Alongside the text show some relevant imagery to support the text.
Chosen Area here you detail how you intend to interpret the context
& brief; explaining the general area you are looking at and the focus
that your project will have. Try to avoid writing out a design brief (see
below), simply detail what aspect of the brief you intend to study.
Again, show some imagery to support the text.
Users write a bullet pointed list of the user groups, (considering sex,
age, background etc.) This can be referred to as your target audience.
You also must establish the Needs of the User.
Identification of the Market write a bullet pointed list of both the
sales methods (shops, internet, mail order etc.) and the types of
retailers who will sell this product. Justify your reasoning for all the
points that you make.
Analysis of Brief this should simply be a brainstorm or a list of
design criteria to consider now that the brief has been established.
Some (generic) design criteria might include:
purpose, performance, the design, aesthetic appeal, colour, styling,
market research, fashion, target audience and market, image,
innovation, ergonomics, ease of use, user interface, switches &
controls, labelling, materials, durability, safety, product life,
manufacturing processes, scale of production, assembly, quality
control, production logistics, storage, packaging, transportation, price,
value for money, green issues, recycling, waste, after sales service etc.
Further (specific) issues (depending on your product) also need to be
considered. Make sure that you link these titles to the research section
that follows.
Design Brief this should be a statement detailing exactly what you
intend to do, for example: I intend to design and manufacture a coffee
table for the first time buyer. I aim to design a product that has a
number of specific innovative features suitable for the domestic
environment such as

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

2) Research General & Primary (1 page)

Divide the page with two subheadings: General Area and Primary
Research.
For the General Area you might wish to include the following
subheadings: Materials, Manufacturing Processes, Anthropometric
Data, Important Measurements, The Surrounding Environment,
Sources of Inspiration plus one of the topics detailed in your context &
brief, such as Sustainability,
You need to investigate the Materials and Manufacturing Processes
that you are likely to use to make your product. From looking at
existing products on the market (pages 3&4) you will get a good
understanding of the probable materials & manufacturing processes
that you will use. Assess their suitability and try to suggest which would
be most ideal for your project.
For the Anthropometric Data section you should present the most
relevant human body dimensions that are relevant for the design of
your project. Under the Important Measurements section present any
other measurements that are important for your design. For example,
you need to show the size of a DVD case if you intend to store DVDs in
your product.
For the Surrounding Area section you should present information on
the type of environment that the product will be used in. For example
you might show pictures of the actual room or place that the product
will live, noting info such as colour schemes and nearby products.
For the Sources of Inspiration section you should present an array of
images that show the styling or theme that you as a designer are
inspired by, noting what features of the products you intend to take into
the design section. You should then look to link this to the Generation of
Initial Ides (pages 6&7) either via annotation or repasting the images
onto the design sheets.
For the Primary Research you might wish to include the following
subheadings: Questionnaire with Results or Interview with a
Specialist.
If you are doing a Questionnaire, make sure you come up with 5 10
good focussed questions, which will enable you to find out more from
your target audience. Do not just question your friends. You should
present the results clearly using bar / pie charts.

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

If you do an Interview with a Specialist, make sure you detail your

questions and then clearly show his / her responses,
Instead of conducting a questionnaire or an interview, you might wish
to work out another way of gathering your own primary research
however discuss your proposal with your teacher.
In both the General & Primary research sections its entirely up to you
which of these subheadings you focus on, it depends on the project you
are doing, however ensure that you research the information which is
most important for you to know before designing.
The full page should be introduced, supported (where appropriate) by
images and concluded.

3) Research Product Analysis (1 page)

At the top, left hand side of the page write a short Introduction. The
introduction should explain what you intend to learn from conducting a
product analysis and why you have selected this specific product.
Make sure that the product you choose will enable you to get a fuller
understanding of the design area that you intend to study. To get the
most out of this task and achieve maximum marks, you will need to
physically interact with the product avoid simply relying on images
from the internet,
You might need to borrow the product from somebody, visit a shop or
perhaps even buy one for yourself. Youll need to be proactive and work
out where you will find your product.
So once you have found the product that you intend to analyse,
establish a list of the design criteria that you intend to investigate.
Some possible things to look at (depending on the product) might
include:
o Performance design a test to establish how well the product
works.
o Design write a description of the design, consider aesthetics,
layout of components etc.
o Size how big the product and what are the main dimensions?
o Ergonomics consider how well the product interacts with its
users?
o Materials can you list what materials each component part is
made from?
o Manufacturing processes how have each of the component parts
been made?

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
o Assembly & Joints how are components assembled and what
joining methods are used?
o Finishes what type of finish has been applied and what texture
does it have?
o Pre Manufactured Components does it use nuts, bolts, hinges,
castors, wheels etc?
o Cost how much does this product cost?
Can you think of any other aspects (specific to your product) to analyse?
If so, detail them below:
o
o
To back up the points that you have made in writing, take 5 or 6 good
quality photographs of the product; showing main elevations, it in use
and, if possible, take it apart to show how its internal components and
its assembly.
We suggest that you present a larger photograph of the product in the
middle of the page, then present the others around the outside. Then
link the relevant text to the relevant photos.
You might also wish to do some sketching some of the specific features
of the design.
Complete the page with a Conclusion, in which you need to sum up the
main findings of your product analysis and establish which feature of
the product you would like to use or adapt for your own design.

4) Research Existing & Similar Products (1 page)

Introduce the page by explaining how and where you found the 5 -6
existing & similar products and why you have selected them,
Make sure that you gather as much information as you can about each
product, (this should be available on the internet if you follow the
source of the image) try to find out: the make & model, where the
product is sold, dimensions, materials & manufacturing processes,
assembly, price and special features.
Ensure that you present good quality, clear, colour pictures, (for top
marks take your own - to show real interaction),
Number each of the different products (for reference) then evaluate
each product considering the strengths & weaknesses of the following
factors (in your opinion) as shown below:

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

Design 1
Performance
Materials & Man. Proc.
Ergonomics
Aesthetics
Cost

Strengths

Weaknesses

Conclusion
(features to take
forward)

When filling in the strengths & weaknesses boxes you may also want to
consider the following issues: the design, ease of use, user interface,
switches & controls, durability, safety, product life, storage, packaging,
target audience and market, price, value for money etc.
Make sure that you conclude each evaluation by highlighting the best
features (which you may wish to take through to your own design) and
then perhaps offer the product a final star rating.
Avoid expressing too many of your own opinions try to be factual,
Complete the page with a Conclusion in which you highlight your main
findings, saying what you would like to take forward into your own
designing.

5) Design Specifications (1 page)

Your design specifications must be established as a result of the research that

you have presented over the last 4 pages. Therefore re read the pages you
have submitted thus far before you start.
The specifications state the key requirements of your product, detailing all
aspects of its design in detail,
Start by writing a list of the specification titles,
Possible titles, (approximately 20 recommended) might include:
1) Function,
2) Performance*
3) Design,

13) Technical Detail*

14) Storage,
15) Logistics*

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
4) Aesthetics,
5) Ergonomics*
6) Size*
7) Ease of Use,
8) Safety,
9) Materials,
10) Manufacturing Processes,
11) Scale of production*
12) Assembly,

16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)

Packaging,
Target Audience,
Advertising & Marketing,
Product life*
Environment,
Sustainability,
Cost*
Finish.
Client specifics*

Do not simply copy these think about which titles are important to your
product,
Also make sure you come up with your own, that are specific to your product,
Depending on the relevance of the title, you may need to detail more than one
specification,
Make sure that each specification is a full sentence,
Use must, should and could so that you can categorise the essential
through to desirable criteria,
Each specification title marked with * must detail numerical & technical
requirements (measurable targets)
After each specification sentence, you then need to fully justify it (in either
italics or a different colour),
Try to avoid repetition between the different titles if possible,
Each specification point with justification must be numbered.
See the examples below:
1)
1.1

Function

1.2

The product must be able to store 15 fishing floats, so that the user can store a suitable range of
floats,
The product should be able to firmly close so that the fishing tackle can be safely secured,

2)

Design

2.1

The product must have similar styling to other fishing products, so that it looks fit for its

purpose,
2.2
rocky surfaces,

The product will need to have a waterproof, durable base, as it will be placed on wet and

Section 1: AQA Assessment Criteria (8 marks)

Excellent understanding and analysis of the design context,

Target market identified and the intended consumer/user profiled,
Comprehensive analysis of relevant and focussed research undertaken,
Detailed analysis of relevant existing products undertaken related to design
intentions,
Discrimination is shown when selecting & acquiring relevant research that
will promote originality,
Clear and specific design criteria identified, reflecting the analysis
undertaken.

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
Section 2: Development of Design Proposals (32 marks)
6 & 7) Generation of Initial Ideas (2 pages)
Over these two pages you should look to present as many
interesting and original design ideas as possible, using high
quality presentation techniques. Each idea also needs to be
evaluated. Try to let your ideas flow onto the page and show a
coherent design strategy.
On page 2 you presented some Sources of Inspiration. We
recommend that you gather the most influential images and add
them to the design sheet (either scan & print or simply print &
mount). Do not make the images too big the pages should be
dominated by your sketch work. Examiners like to see the link
between your inspiration and your design ideas.
At this stage of the project, you should try to keep all possible
approaches open so that you can demonstrate your flair and
creativity (look at AQA D&T pages 146-149)
You may wish to start by printing off 10 bordered design sheets to
work on,
Before starting your designing review your design brief, summary
of research & specifications. This will enable you to refresh
yourself of your main objectives. Most importantly, carefully look
at some of your favourite products which you presented in your
existing products section for further inspiration,
Plan the layout of the two pages, ensure that your designs are
well laid out, do not make them too big, too small or too similar. It
is important that you present a good range.
Using the graphics skills that you have been working on, (2D
elevations & 3D isometric & perspective see AQA D&T pages 6063) look to present between 12-16 innovative & creative designs,
(6 or 8 per page).
Each sketch should be numbered, labelled, annotated, rendered
and be the same scale.
In your annotation try to comment on how well the designs meets
the design specifications, most notably the features, material

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
choices, manufacturing processes, aesthetics, ergonomics as well
as social, moral, environmental & sustainable issues.
Conclude (beneath each design) using evaluative bullet points
highlighting the strengths & weaknesses and give each one a
mark out of ten.
Once youve filled both pages with ideas, collect opinions from
your peers, then present this interactive evaluation of votes
towards the end of the second page.
Then show a clear selection of your chosen design and fully justify
your decision. This chosen design will now be developed in the
next section.
8) Evaluation & Selection of Ideas (1 page)
Now you need to select your best 4 ideas, evaluate them against
your specification, conduct a survey to get the views of others,
write a conclusion and establish which of your design ideas you
intend on taking through to development.
To do this thoroughly, either present your work in the table below
or work across the pages using these 6 subheadings:
Design
No

Strengths
(vs Specification)

Weaknesses
(vs Specification)

Surv
ey

Conclusion

Selecti
on

In the Best Designs column, select your 4 best designs then

present a sketch, (or a scanned image) of them, as a point of
reference.
Now you need to review your Design Specifications page. From
the design specification list, establish how well each of these
chosen designs meets your requirements. Then detail the
strengths of the design in the Strengths column and the

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
weaknesses in the Weaknesses column. Use bullet points but try
to be as detailed as possible.
You now need to ensure that you get the views of your classmates,
friends, family, teachers & technicians. So make sure that you
show your sketches of your best 4 designs and record their votes.
Take especial notice of your teachers views, as they will have a
better insight into how successful your ideas might be. Record
these votes in the Survey column.

Now you need to conclude all the points you made in the
Strengths & Weaknesses columns and add any further points
raised during your survey, in the Conclusion column. Again use
bullet points but try to be as detailed as possible.

In the final Selection column, we suggest you use a star rating or

a tick alongside your conclusion to clearly indicate which design
you intend to take through to development.

9,10,11) Development of Chosen Idea (2 or 3 pages)

During the development stages, you can use freehand sketching,
practical modelling or CAD to develop your design idea.
Your development section should look to utilize at least two of these
three mediums, either dividing them (a page for each) or blending them
together.
Please note that this guideline pack divides sketching, modelling &
design influences for clarity.
Your development section should be spread over two or three pages
depending on the complexity of your design - discuss this with your
teacher.
Throughout your development you should look to conduct and present
some additional research to enable you to make informed decisions.
You also need to consider the wider Design Influences (economic,
social, cultural, environmental issues) affecting the product this can
be either presented across the development stages or allocated a page
of its own.

Development of Chosen Idea - via sketching

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
Now that you have selected your favoured design proposal, you need
to develop and present it in more detail,
Establish a list of key developments required then plan the layout of
your page,
You should look to present a variety of manually illustrated views
including: orthographic, isometric, exploded, cross sectional and
close ups of some of the more complex features,
You might wish to start with a larger 3D illustration in the middle of
the page, and then focus on the key developments around the outside,
On this page you must develop the design; improving specific
features or the layout of components,
All illustrations should be clear, well presented, rendered, thoroughly
labelled and annotated,
Present some further research as you move through the development
section to assist you in making your development decisions,
Throughout the development pages you must confirm and justify
further decisions of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Material selections detail why they are appropriate,

Manufacturing processes,
Assembly, joints & fabrication methods,
Pre manufactured components,
Dimensioning
Finishes.

Development of Chosen Idea - via Modelling or CAD

Possible modelling methods might include:

1) Scale modelling, (scaled down, using cheaper materials)
2) Process modelling, (demonstrating a processsuch as TIG welding)
3) Dynamic modelling, (demonstrating & testing moving parts)
4) CAD modelling (use Solidworks or Sketchup to present the
development of the design)
We suggest you use at least two of these modelling methods.
Start this page with the subheading of Introduction then beneath it
introduce the modelling method(s) that you intend to use, explaining

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
your choices of: materials, processes, fabrication methods, scale and
main purpose of the modelling how it will help to develop the
development of the design.
Make sure that your model focuses on specific details or features of the
final proposal, avoid simply making a scaled down visual 3D model.
Try to ensure that the model is as detailed and as representative as
possible - however dont spend too long on it.
Once complete, you need to show off the detail your modelling via good
quality photographs, (or screen shots). We suggest you show between 4
& 5 images, which present all the key features of the design.
All photographs (or screen shots) need to be labelled and supported
with text,
Present further research that might assist you in making your
development decisions,
Again, ensure that you clearly communicate your decisions of the
following:
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1. Material selections,
Manufacturing processes,
Assembly, joints and fabrication methods,
Pre manufactured components,
Dimensioning,
Finishes.

Should you chose to use CAD modelling ensure that you present
screenshots to communicate the development of the points listed above
and how the design evolves.
After the physical or CAD modelling is complete write up a subheading
titled Strengths of the Modelling beneath which you can list what you
have learnt from doing the modelling.
The next subheading should be Limitations of the Modelling beneath
which you should list what you still have yet to learn from doing the
modelling and the features that you have not been able to develop from
the experience,
Conclude the page with the subheading Modifications as a Result of
modelling beneath which you can list the development that you have
made to the design as a result of the modelling you have done.
You must give a full explanation of all decisions made.

Development of Chosen Idea - Design Influences

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

This page essentially looks at the impact of your product if it were to go into
production. You need to fully address the implications of a wide range of
issues including the social, moral, environmental and sustainability. This
should be taken into consideration during the development of your chosen
design.

Before considering the design influences on your product read pages 66 77

of your AQA Design & Technology textbook. From these two chapters you will
gain a better understanding of how to address this page.

Within your text you try to address the following subheadings:

o Social Influences (consider detailing relevant information on: society,
demand, must have, obsolescence, inclusive design, exclusive design).
o Cultural Influences (consider detailing relevant information on: belief,
fashion, trends, background).
o Moral Implications (consider detailing relevant information on:
responsibilities of designers, responsibilities of manufacturers, harm,
offence, influence, sustainability, environment, efficiency, sweatshops).
o Environmental Issues (consider detailing relevant information on: use of
raw materials, deforestation, manufacture, transportation, pollution,
global warming, carbon monoxide, ozone layer, landfill, biodegradability).
o Sustainability (consideration of the 6 Rs: detailing relevant information
on how to: reduce, recycle, reuse, refuse, rethink, repair) you can
present this using an Eco Web ask your teacher to email you a template.

We recommend that you present your text alongside a Product Life Cycle
(LCA), as shown on the right, considering the following
stages:
o
o
o
o
o
o

Extraction of the raw materials,

Processing of raw materials,
Manufacture of the product,
Distribution & Sale of the product,
The Use of the product
The Disposal of the product.

Using CAD

During the development stages of your project, you will be introduced to

Solidworks CAD software.
Your teacher will demonstrate the software, run through some exercises
with you but also expect you to use the software in your own time to
develop your skills.
Solidworks runs off PCs. All of the 30 downstairs Macs in D&T have
bootcamp installed to enable you to run to software. Therefore you need to
dedicate time to the department to learn the software.

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

Sketchup pro is an alternative package (which can be download onto your

Macbooks) however Solidworks is the preferred software.

12) Orthographic Drawing (1 page)

An orthographic presents a minimum of 3 (assembled) elevational

views,
Layout your elevations in 3rd angle projection, (see AQA page 88)
All elevations should be presented in line with one another,
Corresponding views should be at 90 degrees to one another,
Make sure you indicate the scale of the drawing and show all

dimensions in mm,
You must ensure that this drawing is very accurate you will need to
refer to it during the manufacturing stages,
This scale that you present this drawing needs to be considered
carefully try to use as much of the page as possible.
See the example below:

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

13) Exploded Drawing & Component Parts List (1 page)

Exploded Parts Drawing
Present the exploded drawing as an isometric, so that all the parts
can be seen,
Your exploded drawing should present every single component part of
your design,
This drawing needs to occupy approximately roughly two thirds of the
page.
Each part should be numbered then labelled with that number,
The numbers should then be put into directly onto the Component
Parts List, (see below)

Component Parts List

Produce the grid in excel then cut and paste it directly into your Layout
file,
Part No: from 1 to however many parts your product has,
Part Name: you need to name each component part make sure you refer
to the same part names throughout the record or manufacture,
Material: name the specific material which you intend to use,
Length, Width, Depth: detail all the dimensions in millimetres,
No. Required: detail how many of these parts are required,
Finish: detail what kind of finish is due to be applied to the part.

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

Note that some parts (such as those which are to be formed our moulded)
might not be able to have the complete dimensions presented, in which
case detail the pre formed dimensions.

Section 2: AQA Assessment Criteria (32 marks)

Imaginative and innovative ideas have been developed, demonstrating creativity, flair and
originality.
Further developments made to take account of ongoing research
A coherent and appropriate design strategy, with clear evidence of a planned approach,
adopted throughout
The implications of a wide range of issues including social, moral, environmental and
sustainability, are taken into consideration and inform the development of the design
proposals
Excellent development work through experimentation with a wide variety of techniques and
modeling (including CAD where appropriate) in order to produce a final design solution
Appropriate materials and components selected with full regard to their working properties
Fully detailed and justified product/manufacturing specification taking full account of the
analysis undertaken

Section 3: Manufacture (32 marks)

The product should demonstrate:

A high level of making skills and accuracy,

Appropriate use of tools, materials, & technologies,
Skilful & safe and independent working,
A Commercially viable outcome, suited to its target market,
Quality control.

14)

Plan of Manufacture

During a correction period with your teacher, establish the main stages
and sequence of your manufacture, as well as a rough guide of how long
you think each step might take.
Once youve confirmed your practical schedule, write up the stages,
You may wish to use a Plan of Manufacture grid (as shown below) or you
may wish to present the plan of manufacture as a flowchart.
Step
1
2
3
4
5

Par
t

Process

Equipment
Used

Health &
Safety
Measures

Quality
Control
Checks

Time
Expected

Actual time
taken

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)

6
7
8
9
10

Ensure that you fill out the grid or flowchart in as much detail as you
can,
Write in a very small font and avoid using full sentences,
The plan of manufacture should help you in the workshop; so make sure
that it is accurate.

15)

Photographic Record of Manufacture (1 page)

In order to demonstrate a high level of making skill and accuracy, you

need to write up a record of what you have done and take photos of
your practical work at least twice a week,
For further details of what the examiner is expecting to see, look at the
assessment criteria at the bottom of this page.
Divide your record into stages (possibly referring to the POM) then
detail:
- Write up what you did, detailing the materials, tools & equipment
used, and QC methods,
- Highlight how well the stage went - detailing the strengths,
problems & amendments made,
- Indicate how long each stage took, reflecting on how this affected
your overall progress,
- Present at least one photograph per stage showing your working.
For top marks, spread the timeline evenly over the two pages - avoid
simply photographing the last 3 stages, this is very common.

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
At the end of the section, write a conclusion in which you reflect on
your manufacture though avoid evaluating the product at this stage,
as this will be done in the next section.

17) Photographs of the Final Product (1 page)

Once complete, you need to present your practical work using high
quality photography,
It is essential for you to show off your work, therefore present all its
best features,
Make sure that you photograph the product in use, used by its user
group and in context,
Try to combine the photography with your actual testing & evaluation
(next section),
Please avoid photographing the product in the school workshop or just
using studio shots.
This page should therefore show between 4 & 6 photos, (as you deem
appropriate),
You should label the photos, where necessary, explaining what the
image presents.

Section 3: AQA Assessment Criteria (32 marks)

Final outcome shows a high level of making/modeling/finishing skills and

accuracy,
Selected & used appropriate tools, materials and/or technologies correctly,
skillfully and safely,
Worked independently to produce a rigorous and demanding outcome,
Quality controls are evident throughout the project and it is clear how
accuracy has been achieved,
The outcome has the potential to be commercially viable and is suitable for
the target market,

Section 4: Testing & Evaluation (8 marks)

18) Testing & Evaluation (1 page)
Split the page into two subheadings:
Testing & Evaluation Method

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
Introduce your method of testing, stating why you chose to test &
evaluate it this way,
Take your product to where it belongs and where it would be used,
Test the function of your product fully ensuring that you assess all of its
original requirements,
It should ideally be subjected to all expected conditions though its life
cycle,
Photograph each of these tests then present 4 or 5 of the best pictures
to support your write up,
Results of Testing & Evaluation
Now you need to present the results of your testing & evaluation,
You need to present your results clearly & concisely,
You might chose to write up written points and / or put information in
bar / pie charts,
Do not (yet) conclude any of the information you present save this for
the S&W page.
Show photos to support the information you present.
19) External Evaluation & Evaluation against Specification (1 page)
Split the page into two subheadings:
External Evaluation
Introduce your external evaluator, explaining who they are, why they
are a suitable,
Avoid using a friends or family, the more reputable the individual, the
more valid the opinions,
Try to show a picture of this individual as well as some of him / her
testing your product.
Then list all the points your external evaluator makes about your
product,
Perhaps record the conversation to assist you with the write up?
Now list your responses to the comments received, (put comments &
responses in a table?)
Make sure that you are positive, dont simply write off their opinion or
take too much to heart!
Testing & Evaluation against Specification
Review you original Specification list (page 6),
Turn each specification into a question,

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
Then establish whether you have fully met, partially met, or not met
each of the specifications,
Ensure that you then explain why in detail.
Use photographs to support your points.
20) Strengths & Weaknesses of Product (1 page)
Divide the strengths & weaknesses then write them up in detail,
Finish the section with a short conclusion,
Ensure that you fully conclude the overall success and marketability of
the product,
You should look to use photographs to back up the points you make,
Perhaps you could use a table similar to the one presented below:
Strengths

Conclusion

Weaknesses

21) Development & Modifications for Commercial Production (1 page)

Think of your final product as a prototype of a design that will go into
production,
From the Strengths & Weaknesses page establish 3 or 4 weaknesses to
improve on,
Now list them and address each by sketching further developments to
your design,
At least one development should include a material or process choice
which will need to be changed to enable the product to go into
commercial production,
Make sure that you refer to: the scale of production, jigs, formers,
templates & CAD/CAM etc.
Spend time on this lots of marks available here.
Final Conclusion
Comment on the likely success of your product, making an appraisal of
its commercial potential,

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
Then write a quick reflection of your product choice, the success of the
project as a whole and offer a statement of satisfaction, alongside your
best picture of your practical.
Now add a title page, a contents page, read through all the pages for
grammar, spelling and page titles and numbering, as the standard of
your communication is worth 8 marks see next section.

Section 4: AQA Assessment Criteria (8 marks)

Detailed testing & evaluation throughout the designing and making process
taking account of client/user or third party opinion,
All aspects of the final outcome have been tested against the design criteria
and/or specification,
Evaluate & justify the need for modifications to the product,
Consideration given as to how the outcome might need to be modified for
commercial production.

Section 5 - Communication Skill (6 marks)

This mark is awarded for your communication skills, which you demonstrate
throughout your product study folder.
To achieve top marks you need to use a combination of:

Well written and concise text,

Graphical techniques,
Digital technology,
Real time digital imagery
Interactive dialogue as appropriate.

Your work needs to have a good balance of these elements to ensure top
marks. Do not rely too heavily on any one of these to avoid your work lacking
in creativity, detail or accuracy.
Some further folder recommendations & requirements include:
Take time to design your folders layout at the start PowerPoint is
recommended.
Develop a layout, which shows:
o
o
o
o

Page Title (top left),

Brief choice number - with theme in brackets (top right),
Your name & candidate no (bottom left)
Bryanston School & 55609 (bottom)

GCSE Major Project

Guidelines Document
AQA: Unit 1 Controlled Assessment (60%)
o GCSE D&T: Controlled Assessment (bottom)
o Page number (bottom right).
Do not select a font size which is too large,
Ensure your font is appropriate to a design folder,
Do not use too many colours, fonts, styles etc. try to keep your work
uniform,
Bold up titles and subheadings avoid underlining
Be concise, use bullet points, avoid repetition and always check
grammar & spelling,
Ensure that all images are not pixelated & of a good quality,
Do not over enhance the background it makes your work difficult to
read,
Do not leave lots of blank page you will need to pack your work in
(max 22 pages)
Section 5: AQA Assessment Criteria (6 marks)

The candidate uses a combination of text, graphical techniques, digital

technology, real-time digital images and interactive dialogue as appropriate to
present information.