The Course allows learners to engage with technologies. It allows learners to consider the impact that graphic communication technologies have on our environment and society. 

This Course is a broad-based qualification suitable for learners with an interest in graphic communication — both digital and paper-based. It is suitable for those wanting to progress onto higher levels of study in the subject. 

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:  

♦ develop skills in graphic communication techniques, including the use of equipment, materials and software  

♦ extend and apply knowledge and understanding of graphic communication standards, protocols and conventions, where these apply 

♦  develop an understanding of the impact of graphic communication technologies on our environment and society 

The Course develops a number of pervasive and integrative themes, including the systems approach, energy and sustainability. These are used to explore varied engineering systems through simulation, practical projects and investigative tasks in a range of contexts. 

The Course is designed for learners who have a general interest in engineering, as well as those considering further study or a career in engineering and related disciplines. It provides sufficient breadth, flexibility and choice to meet the needs of all learners. 

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to: 

♦ apply knowledge and understanding of basic engineering facts and ideas 

♦ understand the relationships between engineering, mathematics and science 

♦ apply skills in analysis, design, construction and evaluation to a range of straightforward engineering problems 

♦ communicate engineering concepts clearly and concisely using appropriate terminology 

♦ develop an understanding of the role and impact of engineering in changing and influencing our environment and society 

The Course provides opportunities for learners to gain a range of practical woodworking skills and to use a variety of tools, equipment and materials. It allows them to plan activities through to the completion of a finished product in wood. 

This Course is a broad-based qualification for learners with an interest in crafts. It is suitable for learners with an interest in practical woodworking and those wanting to progress to higher levels of study or a related career. 

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to develop: 

♦ skills in woodworking techniques 

♦ skills in measuring and marking out timber sections and sheet materials 

♦ safe working practices in workshop environments 

♦ practical creativity and problem-solving skills 

♦ knowledge of sustainability issues in a practical woodworking context 

The Course provides opportunities for learners to gain a range of practical metalworking skills and to use a variety of tools, equipment and materials. It allows them to plan activities through to the completion of a finished product in metal. 

This Course is a broad-based qualification for learners with an interest in crafts. It is suitable for learners with an interest in practical metalworking and those wanting to progress to higher levels of study or a related career. 

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to develop: 

♦ skills in metalworking techniques 

♦ skills in measuring and marking out metal sections and sheet materials 

♦ safe working practices in workshop environments 

♦ practical creativity and problem-solving skills 

♦ knowledge of sustainability issues in a practical metalworking context 

The Course provides a broad practical introduction to design and to technology. It provides opportunities for learners to gain basic skills in both designing and in communicating design ideas. It allows learners to explore and amend design ideas through model making and testing, in both product design and engineering contexts. The Course provides opportunities to develop and enhance practical creativity, practical problem solving skills, and an appreciation of safe working practices in a workshop or similar environment.

The aims of the Course are to enable learners to:

♦ develop skills in producing and interpreting sketches, drawings and diagrams

♦ develop skills in practical model making and construction

♦ develop skills in testing and simple evaluation of models

♦ apply safe working practices in a workshop or similar environment

♦ develop knowledge of basic engineering ideas