Key Information

●      GCSE Design and Technology will provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of how and why the manufactured world around you is made the way it is.

●      You will also learn key practical skills that will allow you to create outcomes to given design tasks. Throughout these practical tasks, you will develop a greater understanding of the physical and working properties of materials, and develop your understanding of electronic and mechanical systems. You will also focus on developing your communication skills, both through hand drawing and Computer Aided Design, to allow you to present and clarify your design thinking.

●      You will be able to research the work of others such as Alessi, Heatherwick Studio, Tesla and Pixar.  This will give you an insight into how designers start with an idea and how it is developed into a final product.  You will also use these designers' work to influence your own design thinking.

●      You will be assessed through a final written exam, that assesses your theory understanding of all aspects of the subject, and a final design and make project that assesses your ability to investigate problems, design and make solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness, each worth 50%.

Assessment

NEA (Non exam assessment) (50%)

Pupils submit one design and make a project for assessment.  Project themes are set by the examination board, normally with a choice of 3 briefs.

Core Examination (50%)

Pupils will sit a single examination paper that will test their knowledge and understanding.

Subject information

The course will focus on the following areas:

●      Developing practical skills within small range material areas, allowing students to manufacture high quality outcomes. They’ll learn about commercial processes and careers in related industries, as well as developing core transferable skills, such as collaboration and communication. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the key principles within design and apply the principles and concepts of all the STEM areas to evaluate the effectiveness and environmental sustainability of products. There is a large emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

●      Knowledge and understanding of the impact of new and emerging technologies and how to critically evaluate these technologies.  Other areas of study include energy, modern and smart materials, mechanical and electronic systems.

Is this course right for me?

If you like to work with a range of materials such as timber, plastics, metal, paper and board and electronic components this course gives you the opportunity to work with a brief to design and build products. 

A keen interest in design principles and a certain degree of creativity would be desirable in a student.  Students need to have good mathematical understanding which is required for the NEA and the exam.

As the exam is worth 50% of your final grade, it is important that theory lessons will be part of this course, where your knowledge and understanding will be tested to ensure that you will be able to access the exam paper.

A level of independence and resilience is required to see a project through to completion.

What can this lead to?

Further study at A Level (or equivalent level 3 qualifications) or design technology or engineering.

Careers paths include engineering, architecture, furniture construction and product design.