8552/W — November 2020 AQA GCSE Design and Technology Mark Scheme

This is the official AQA mark scheme for Design and Technology (8552) Mark Scheme from the November 2020 session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. AQA mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 8552/W · 8552W · AQA-8552W-W-MS-NOV20 · AQA 8552 November 2020

This mark scheme corresponds to AQA-8552W-QP-NOV20. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

AQA mark schemes reward precise language. For Design and Technology (8552), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.