AQA GCSE Design And Technology 2025 Mark Scheme

Get the official AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8552/W) Unit 1 Written Paper mark scheme from the June 2025 series — the final v1.0 examiner-approved document used during standardisation to award marks consistently across all candidates.

This mark scheme provides the exact answers, mark allocations, and detailed examiner guidance for all three sections of the paper: Core Technical Principles, Specialist Technical Principles, and Designing and Making Principles. For example, Section A multiple-choice answers include Q1 = B (continuous improvement), Q3 = B (oil), and Q10 = B (HIPS), while extended questions include level-of-response marking with clear descriptors for evaluating answers.

It also includes full worked solutions for calculation questions such as percentage production decrease (80%), cost comparisons for manufacturing methods (£558 vs £360), and ratio calculations (1:2), along with indicative content for extended responses on materials, sustainability, ergonomics, production methods, and design evaluation.

Use this mark scheme to accurately mark your answers against real AQA examiner standards, understand how marks are awarded (including level-based marking), and identify how to improve your responses for higher marks. Pair it with the AQA 8552/W June 2025 question paper for complete exam practice. Optimised for mobile and desktop, and ideal for 2025/2026 revision.

This document is designed for GCSE Design and Technology students preparing for the 2026 exam series, including Year 11 candidates, retake students aiming for grades 7–9, and home-schooled learners. It is especially useful for mastering exam technique and understanding how marks are awarded.

It is also essential for teachers, tutors, and revision providers delivering AQA 8552, enabling accurate mock marking, standardisation, and structured feedback using official examiner criteria. Parents supporting revision can use it to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.