GCSE Design & Technology
AQA GCSE Design & Technology
This subject leads to A level Product Design or Graphic Products at ag6.
Design & Technology is a creative subject leading to a huge range of employment opportunities in computer and hand drawn graphic design, product design, engineering, technological and design based careers.
Students follow a GCSE course where the emphasis is on exam preparation (50%) , portfolio work (35%) and project work (15%) in areas including textiles, product design, computer and hand drawn graphic work and resistant materials.
Pupils will study a wide range of theory and past papers throughout the course in preparation for the terminal exam and design 2-dimensional graphics and 3-dimensional products using a range of skills, which must be evidenced in high quality products using a range of skills, which must be evidenced in high quality portfolio work.
Terminal Examination (50% of the final grade) - This will be a 2 hour exam, with a grade given from a possible 100 marks. This will be based on the theory including:
Technical principles
Product design and make
Sketching
Product information
Product lifecycle
Environmental and consumer issues
Materials
Health and Safety
The theory which you are expected to learn can be found under 'AQA Design & Technology Subject Content' as issued by the exam board and will be covered thoroughly throughout the course.
Controlled Assessment (50% of the final grade) - This includes a design portfolio and a final product or range of products with a grade given from a possible 100 marks. This is split into a coursework portfolio (approximately 35%) and product (approximately 15%) and requires strong evidence of the work undertaken through high quality portfolio work. Students should understand that practical work is only 15% of this grade and folder/coursework has to be completed for the other 35% of this grade. The Controlled Assessment final project assignment will be set by the AQA exam board and students will be expected to take a minimum of 35 hours to complete both the portfolio and product in this timescale. Assessment criteria:
Identifying and investigating design possibilities
Producing a design brief and specification
Generating design ideas
Developing design ideas
Realising design ideas
Analysing & evaluating
An exhibition of practical and portfolio work by students will be shown at the end of the course in order for the examiner to assess and grade the work completed which may include lamps, jewellry, textiles, magazines, graphics and packaging projects, ICT or hand drawn project work and product design and portfolio work.
Design is consistently among the most popular subjects at University due to the wide range of possible careers leading from this subject.