Technology - Design Technology
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences
on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply
technical and practical expertise.
Our GCSE allows students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.
KS3
No Course Available
KS4
Year 9 Foundation course in D&T aims to extend student knowledge from years 7-8, and to further develop competence in technical processes and self-management during the process of design.
Year 10 enables students to expand their knowledge and apply this to develop GCSE level capability in D&T ready for AQA NEA and examined elements in line with course requirements.
This course is 50% Exam and 50% NEA (Non-Examined Assessment “Coursework”)
Exam Content:
1: Key Ideas in D&T: CADCAM, Sustainability, Social Issues, Powering Systems
2: Materials and Systems: Properties of Materials, Paper and Board, Timber, Metals, Alloys, Polymers, Textiles, Electronic Systems, Mechanical Systems, New Materials
3: More about Materials: Selecting Materials, Forces and Stresses, Scales of Production, Quality Control, Production Aids, Production of Materials
4: Woods Metals and Polymers: Uses of W/M/P, Stock Forms and Standard Components, Shaping Materials – Hand Tools, Shaping Materials – Machine Tools, Shaping Techniques, Moulding and Joining, Treatment and Finishes
5: Designing and Making: The work of designers, User Needs, Briefs and Specs, Market Research, Product Analysis, Design Strategies, Development of Ideas, Drawing Techniques, Manufacturing Specs, Prototypes, Efficiency, Safety
NEA Content:
1. Context and Analysis
2. Design Brief and Specification
3. Design Ideas
4. Development
5. Manufacturing
6. Evaluation and Testing
Assessment during the theory units is via in class questioning and end of unit tests. We also have internal exams at the end of year 10 and a mock exam in January of year 11.
Assessment of NEA unit is in line with JCQ guidelines for controlled assessment: https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/non-examination-assessments
There are several units within this course specifically designed to teach students about Ethical, Moral and Cultural needs and influences when designing products. Sustainability is a core theme throughout the designing and making where the impact of decisions on the environment is analysed and taken into account when manufacturing products.
KS5
No Course Available
A-Level
No Course Available