IGCSE Design & Technology (9-1) (0979) Tutors

IGCSE Design & Technology (9-1) (0979) is a Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education course in product design, materials and manufacturing techniques. Students tackle real-life problems—like designing a sustainable chair or smartphone case—using CAD (Computer‑Aided Design) and basic workshop skills. Assessment: two written papers plus a portfolio coursework project.

Popular alternative names • Cambridge IGCSE D&T • IGCSE Product Design • IGCSE Engineering Studies

Major topics/subjects Design theory and problem‑solving, including user‑centred research and ergonomics; material properties and selection (timber, plastics, metals); manufacturing processes such as injection moulding or CAM (Computer‑Aided Manufacturing); technical drawing, CAD modelling and graphical communication; sustainability and life‑cycle analysis; product evaluation and quality control; health and safety in workshops. Emphasis is on combining creativity with practical skills to make prototypes or final models, often using hand tools, CNC machines, or basic electronics to bring ideas to life.

A brief history IGCSE Design & Technology began with the launch of Cambridge IGCSE in 1988, offering international students a practical‑based alternative to traditional academics. In 2006 the syllabus was overhauled to include more focus on emerging materials and digital tech. The major reform came in 2019 when Cambridge moved to the 9–1 grading scale, aligning with GCSEs in the UK and updating coursework requirements. Since then, its portfolio‑driven approach has encouraged innovation; for example, many students now use open-source CAD software for 3D‑printing prototypes. Its evolution reflects global shifts towards sustainable design and advanced manufacturing.

Do you want to learn IGCSE Design & Technology (9-1) (0979)? MEB offers one-on-one online tutoring with a private tutor just for your needs.

If you are a school, college or university student, our tutors can help you: • Get top grades on assignments, lab reports, live tests, projects, essays or long research papers • Solve tough questions and tricky ideas • Finish lots of homework fast

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IGCSE Design & Technology (9–1) is special because it mixes art, science and engineering. Students plan and make real projects using wood, metal, plastics or electronics. They learn to think like designers, use drawing tools and computer‑aided design. It covers sustainable materials and modern production methods. Practical and theory parts together help build strong problem‑solving skills.

This course helps you gain creative thinking and hands-on skills that many other subjects lack. It is great for future engineers, architects and designers and boosts teamwork and planning abilities. However, it can be time-consuming and needs access to workshops and tools. The cost of materials and equipment may be high. Students who dislike practical work may find it challenging.

After passing IGCSE Design & Technology, students often move on to Cambridge International AS & A Level Design & Technology, BTEC Nationals in Engineering or Creative Design, or the IB Design Technology course. Vocational diplomas in mechanical engineering, sustainable design or architecture foundation are also popular picks.

Popular roles include product designer, CAD technician, design engineer, UX/UI developer and industrial designer. Daily tasks involve sketching ideas, 3D modelling with CAD software, prototyping on 3D printers, testing materials and refining products, often guided by sustainable design principles.

We study this course to build creative problem‑solving and hands‑on skills. The syllabus walks students through research, drawing, planning, model making and safe workshop practice. Test preparation boosts knowledge of materials, tool use, safety rules and quality checks.

Design & Technology applies to furniture, consumer electronics, packaging and green product development. It teaches teamwork, project management and digital fabrication—skills that give students a strong start in today’s tech‑driven industries.

1. Start by downloading the syllabus from the Cambridge website so you know exactly what topics to cover. Break it into small sections like design theory, materials, manufacturing processes and CAD. For each section, pick a good textbook or video lesson. Practice sketching ideas on paper and try simple CAD models on free software like SketchUp. Work on a small design project to apply what you learn. Finally, do past exam questions under timed conditions to build speed and review mistakes to improve.

2. IGCSE Design & Technology can seem challenging because it mixes theory, practical skills and creative thinking. If you stay organized, understand each topic step by step and practice regularly, you’ll find it manageable. Enjoying hands‑on work and sketching will make it feel easier. Over time, you’ll build confidence and find the subject fun rather than hard.

3. You can study most of the material on your own using textbooks, online videos and past papers. However, a tutor can give you feedback on your sketches, guide your design projects and teach exam strategy. If you hit a tough topic or need extra motivation, a tutor helps keep you on track and clears doubts quickly.

4. Our MEB tutors offer 24/7 one‑on‑one online lessons to guide you through every topic. We provide step‑by‑step project support, model answers, exam tips and regular feedback on your work. Whether it’s theory questions, sketching techniques or CAD practice, our tutors make sure you’re fully prepared at an affordable fee.

5. If you start at the beginning of the school year, spending about 3–4 hours per week on lessons, practice and past papers usually covers the syllabus comfortably in 9–10 months. If you’re short on time, plan for 5–10 hours per week over 3–4 months before exams, focusing heavily on past paper practice and weak areas.

6. Check YouTube channels like Cambridge IGCSE Design & Technology official, Mr. Barton Maths & Science and DesignTech. Use websites such as cie.org.uk, Teach‑IT and Physics & Maths Tutor for topic notes and revision guides. Key books include Cambridge IGCSE & O Level Design and Technology Coursebook (Bradley et al.), Hodder IGCSE Design and Technology (Clements) and Oxford Revise IGCSE Design and Technology. Many students also use SparkNotes and Exam Solutions for concept clarification and past paper practice.

College students, parents and tutors in the USA, Canada, UK, Gulf and beyond: if you need a helping hand—online 1:1 24/7 tutoring or assignment support—our MEB tutors can help at an affordable fee.