AQA 8552 · Design & Technology

Design & Technology

21 modules covering Section A (core knowledge) and Section B/C (design process, manufacturing, materials). All questions sourced from real AQA 8552 past papers 2020–2024.

Section A — Core Technical Knowledge
Materials
Timber, Boards & Papers
Hardwoods, softwoods, manufactured boards, paper and card properties.
Materials
Materials
Metals & Alloys
Ferrous/non-ferrous metals, alloys, properties and applications.
Materials
Materials
Polymers
Thermoplastics vs thermosetting polymers — differences, properties, uses.
Materials
Materials
Smart & Modern Materials
Shape memory alloys, thermochromic, Kevlar, CFRP, graphene.
Materials
Core Principles
Energy Systems
Renewable/non-renewable energy. Input → Process → Output systems.
Core
Core Principles
New & Emerging Technologies
Industry 4.0, automation, crowdfunding, planned obsolescence.
Core
Section B — Technical Principles
Forces
Forces & Stresses
Tension, compression, torsion, bending, shear. Material properties.
Forces
Sustainability
Sustainability & the 6Rs
6Rs, Life Cycle Assessment, pollution, carbon footprint, fair trade.
Sustainability
Manufacturing
Scale of Production
One-off, batch, mass and continuous production — when and why.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Manufacturing Processes
Cutting, forming, joining, finishing. Tolerances and quality control.
Manufacturing
Drawing
Technical Drawing & CAD
Isometric, orthographic, working drawings. CAD advantages.
Drawing
Calculations
Maths in DT
Area, volume, gear ratios, percentages, costing. Every paper tests these.
Maths
Making
Tools & Equipment
Timber, metal, textiles and electronics tools. Safe use.
Making
CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM & Design for Manufacture
CNC, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, tolerances.
CAD/CAM
Section C — Designing & Making Principles
Design Process
Iterative Design Process
Explore → Create → Evaluate. Briefs, specifications, ACCESS FM.
Design
Design Process
Ergonomics & Anthropometrics
Percentiles, inclusive design, anthropometric data in product design.
Design
Design Process
Evaluating Designs
Evaluation against spec, user testing, design for manufacture.
Design
Communication
Design Communication
Sketching, annotation, rendering, presenting to clients and manufacturers.
Design
Design
Design Aesthetics & User Appeal
Colour, form, texture, proportion — matching aesthetics to target markets.
Design
Core
Design in Context
Cultural/social influences, responsible design, intellectual property.
Core
⭐ KEY MODULE
12-Mark Extended Response
Level descriptors, how to hit Level 4, real 8-mark and 12-mark practice questions.
Extended