Design & Technology
GCSE
Examining Board
AQA
Course Introduction
The Design and Technology GCSE is an exciting and challenging course. It combines a range of subjects, in a hands on way. It allows students to develop problem solving skills and encourages students to use knowledge from all areas of the curriculum. As their knowledge and understanding develops, they will design, develop, test and create products selecting appropriate materials to realise their designs. We will use practical work to encourage students to explore materials and processes to be able to develop products and prototypes. This course prepares students for 21st century understanding of the world including the use of new technology as laser cutting, 3D printing and programmable electronics.
Assessments
This course is 50% non-examined content and 50% examined.
The non-examined content is produced in class from June of Year 10 until February of Year 11 and consists of a 30 page e-portfolio of work and a working prototype.
Progression
This course could lead to entry into any of the following Design and Technology based future prospects:
Product Design, Architecture, Engineering, Furniture Design and Graphic Design.
Course Content
In Year 9, students make skills sticks, introducing them to a wide range of materials and processes from welding to wood turning. They are inducted in CAD CAM facilities in the department and look at mechanisms, as well as the theory content of the AQA syllabus.
In Year 10 we build on the designing and making skills in mini-projects throughout the year such as architectural modelling, development of products and investigating users. These projects are assessed using the same assessment as the NEA. so students are aware of what is required in each section. We start the non-examined assessment in June of Year 10. The theory is built upon throughout the year through regular tests to review and retain subject knowledge.
In Year 11, students focus on the non-examined assessment and we consolidate the theory they have learnt working on exam technique and focus on the specialist area of timbers.
Contact Name
Jonathan Meeson – Head of Design & Technology
Contact Email
j.meeson@wymcol.org
A Level
The Design & Technology A Level is suitable for any student with an interest in creative and imaginative designing and creating physical solutions to real world problems. The qualification builds on the GCSE knowledge of any design and technology area, introducing a wider range of materials and processes. Students are encouraged to explore and evaluate real world problems and develop their own brief. The course comprises of 50% coursework which will take the form of a portfolio of work and a final working prototype.
Coursework/Examination Requirement
50% coursework, 50% examination.
The College expects students to have
Grade 6 or above in a Technology subject.
Progression
Design and Technology is a diverse subject linking many core elements including Science and Mathematics. It encourages the development of problem solving skills and analytical thought. The skills acquired are highly sought after on both design courses and in the world of work. Specific careers include, product design, interior design, automotive design, architecture, animation, model making and engineering.
Course Content
Year 1
The first year of the A Level will be preparing students for their coursework in the second year, which will require the students to have a realistic client and design problem. There will be a number of practical tasks which will give the students a thorough understanding of modern processes and materials through the mediums of computer aided design and manufacture, architecture, engineering and product design. The students will have an opportunity to look at modern products and understand how they have been designed and manufactured and the current global issues, including how integrated technology affects today’s world. This will give students the confidence and the knowledge to be innovative and produce creative design solutions. In tandem with these smaller practical tasks there will be a comprehensive theory programme to aid the students when selecting materials and processes and the requirements needed for that design.
Year 2
In the coursework, students will work with a real client or user group, who will help inform the design decisions, creating a high quality final product that will be fit for purpose and consider the wider issues including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts. The materials that students use will be dependent on what problem they choose and which materials are the most suitable for the solution. The qualification aims to build on knowledge from GCSE including Science and Mathematics. The students will have an understanding of the wider influences on design and technology including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors. A range of questions both short answer and essay style are included to test students’ knowledge on a range of topics.
