Design Technology:
Systems and Control

The design-and-make activities within Systems and Control seek to develop creativity and confidence in students’ abilities to think, question, explore, create and communicate. The focus of Systems and Control is to develop the skills and knowledge used by designers within the context of a group of related technological resource areas in structures, mechanisms and electronics. This course is suited for students who want practical experience so that they can get a thorough understanding of the three resource areas. By identifying how these areas interrelate, students can appreciate and exploit their role in designing and making mechanised and automated control systems through a range of simulation and fabrication applications. 

This IGCSE course is suited for students interested in electronic, mechanical and structural engineering. The analytical thinking and design skills developed on this course will support the study of Physics and Design Technology at IB Diploma level.

The emphasis of Systems and Control is on the application of knowledge and students will have the opportunity to learn through practical activities by producing multiple solutions to problems. Students undertake a variety of tasks that cover the theory and concepts of electronic, mechanical and structural engineering to develop skills in the design process, communication and manufacturing. Students are guided through a range of design projects focusing on electronics, product design, structures, mechanical design, systems and programming to develop their skills, creativity and critical analysis.

Study in Systems and Control will also introduce students to the broader perspectives of the design world. It will expand knowledge and understanding of the basic elements of design, and how these can be effectively applied within the area of systems and control technology. It will encourage the application of personal judgement, testing and the application of appropriate criteria in the appraisal of products and systems, while at the same time influencing students in their approach to designing and making quality outcomes that meet the specific needs of the identified users. Students gain an understanding of industrial practices within the area of design and commercial manufacture.

In Grade 10, students explore ways in which aesthetic, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social dimensions interact with design and manufacture. Students apply traditional drawing and communication techniques, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and digital media design to plan the production and manufacture of a fully functioning product of their choice.

Grade 9

• Key Content (Structures, Mechanisms and Electronics)

• Specialist Option: Structures

• Major Project Criteria 1: Identification of a need or opportunity with a brief analysis leading to a design brief

• Major Project Criteria 2: Research into the design brief resulting in a specification

• Major Project Criteria 3: Generation and exploration of design ideas

Grade 10

• Major Project Criteria 4: Development of proposed solution

• Major Project Criteria 5: Planning for production

• Major Project Criteria 6: Product realisation

• Major Project Criteria 7: Testing and evaluation

• Knowledge of electronic, mechanical and structural engineering, simulation and systems

• Creative thinking through aspects of the design cycle of investigation, research, planning, designing, making, testing and evaluating 

• Working with traditional hand-drawing techniques, engineering drawings, CAD/CAM and digital media

• Use of a range of materials, processes and tools including CNC, Laser Cutting and 3D printing

• Solve practical and technological problems operating through processes of analysis, synthesis and realisation

• Develop a range of communication skills which are central to design-making and evaluation and the development of a range of making skills

• Understand the use of a wide range of materials in practical scenarios to develop curiosity, enquiry, initiative, ingenuity, resourcefulness and discrimination with their use

• Encourage technological awareness, foster attitudes of cooperation and social responsibility

Students must be prepared to work outside lesson time to develop their work further. This includes using the design workshop facilities, by arrangement with the Design Technology staff at anytime convenient to the student’s programme of study. Students will be expected to exhibit their design work when the opportunity arises.

External assessment – 50%

• paper 1: product design 

• paper 2: systems and control 

Internal assessment – 50%

• major design and make project for an intended user group

Successful completion of this subject will lead to the CAIE qualification 0445 Design Technology.