SACE Stage 2 Design, Technology and Engineering study plan

Map the full Domain 1 syllabus into a one-page concept map linking design process, materials, and engineering principles

Define and correctly use 30 core design and technology terms in your own written glossary

Explain the stages of the design process and justify iteration and evaluation at each stage in a 300-word written summary

Identify three real products and trace each through the design process stages

Compare properties and appropriate uses of at least five material categories (metals, polymers, timber, composites, ceramics) in a comparison table

Describe three manufacturing and production techniques and match each to a suitable material and product

Explain how sustainability, lifecycle, and material selection interact in a short case analysis

Solve five worked numeracy problems involving measurement, tolerance, or scale

Summarise mechanical, electrical, and structural principles relevant to the course in a formula and concept sheet

Apply these principles to analyse two simple systems and explain how forces or energy flow through them

Interpret technical drawings, symbols, and conventions accurately across five sample diagrams you construct yourself

Draft 10 practice short-answer questions on Domain 1 and write model answers

Synthesise Domain 1 knowledge by writing a timed 45-minute practice response under exam conditions

Mark your response against the syllabus criteria and list your three weakest knowledge areas

Begin Domain 2 by outlining how a design brief is developed from an identified need

Convert one identified need into a formal brief with constraints, considerations, and success criteria

Generate at least 12 annotated concept sketches for your brief, exploring distinct approaches

Evaluate the concepts against your success criteria using a weighted decision matrix

Justify the selected concept in writing with reference to function, materials, and user needs

Produce an initial planning outline covering tasks, resources, and timeline

Develop the chosen concept into detailed working drawings or specifications with dimensions and materials

Plan and document a prototyping or testing method with defined success measures

Record test results and evaluate them against the success criteria

Identify and describe two design improvements supported by the test evidence

Compile the full design and technology folio, sequencing evidence to show the process clearly

Annotate the folio to connect decisions back to Domain 1 principles and materials knowledge

Write a 500-word evaluation of the solution against the brief and success criteria

Self-assess the folio against the performance standards and close the two largest gaps

Complete two full timed practice papers mixing Domain 1 and Domain 2 questions

Review every error and write a corrected explanation for each

Rehearse concise oral or written justifications of your design decisions

Consolidate the glossary, formula sheet, and folio into a single revision pack