GCSE Design & Technology Tuition — Enrol Now

Section A: The NEA (Coursework / Design Project)

1) Understanding the Brief & Planning

What you’ll learn: how to interpret a context, define a real problem, and plan a portfolio that earns marks.
How we help:

• Turn the brief into a focused problem statement (no waffle)

• Create a clear portfolio structure so you don’t miss assessment points

• Build a realistic timeline that prevents last-minute rushing

2) Research That Actually Scores Marks

What you’ll learn: user research, market research, ergonomics/anthropometrics, context and constraints.
How we help:

• Teach you how to write research with purpose (“so what?” analysis)

• Show how to use research to create design requirements

• Help you present findings clearly (tables, bullet points, annotated images)

3) Writing a High-Scoring Specification

What you’ll learn: how to create measurable, testable specification points.
How we help:

• Upgrade vague specs (“must be strong”) into measurable ones (“must hold 2kg without bending”)

• Link each point back to evidence (research + user needs)

• Make sure your spec can be tested later for evaluation marks

4) Idea Generation & Development (The Big Mark Zone)

What you’ll learn: generating multiple ideas, selecting the best, and developing it through iterations.
How we help:

• Teach methods for generating real variety (SCAMPER, biomimicry, form/function changes)

• Improve sketching communication: annotations, dimensions, exploded views

• Show exactly how to write development notes: what changed, why, and how it improved

5) Materials, Components & Manufacturing Processes

What you’ll learn: choosing materials, processes, tolerances, finishes, and costing.
How we help:

• “Decision + reason + evidence” writing that examiners reward

• Manufacturing plans that match your school workshop capability

• Costing tables and quality checks that look professional and score marks

6) Prototyping, Testing & Iteration

What you’ll learn: modelling strategies, testing methods, user feedback, improvements.
How we help:

• Set up meaningful tests (strength, stability, usability, accuracy, safety)

• Show you how to record results properly (photos + data + evaluation)

• Turn feedback into clear iteration (before/after, changes, justification)

7) Final Evaluation (How to Secure the Top Marks)

What you’ll learn: evaluating against specification, analysing success, and proposing improvements.
How we help:

• Help you evaluate point-by-point against your spec (with evidence)

• Write balanced conclusions (not just “it went well”)

• Add realistic next steps and refinements for higher-level marks

Section B: Written Exam (Theory + Application)

8) Core Technical Principles

What you’ll learn: materials and their properties, environmental impact, smart materials, tolerances, finishes, and quality control.
How we help:

• Quick recall methods for properties and material selection

• Practice on “choose and justify” questions (common high-mark type)

• Real exam-style short answers that train precision

9) Specialist Technical Principles (Your Focus Area)

What you’ll learn: depending on your course: timbers, metals, polymers, textiles, papers/boards, electronics/mechatronics.
How we help:

• Targeted topic teaching matched to your school’s content focus

• Clear diagrams and keyword banks for high marks

• Past-paper practice with feedback on exactly what examiners want

10) Designing & Making Principles

What you’ll learn: ergonomics, anthropometrics, user-centred design, modelling, CAD/CAM, risk assessment, production methods.
How we help:

• Teach you how to answer longer questions with structure

• Train you to use design vocabulary naturally (without sounding forced)

• Build exam confidence using timed practice and mark-scheme review

Our Results in Numbers

• +20–30% typical NEA mark uplift after structured portfolio improvements

• 90% of students produce a clearer, higher-quality portfolio within 4–6 sessions

• 2× faster project progress with weekly targets and accountability