Aims and content of the course
A GCSE in Design and Technology offers an opportunity for students to identify and solve problems by designing and making products.

Students need to be creative, practical and hardworking. The course involves drawing by hand, using Computer Aided Design, understanding the theory of materials and manufacture and research into products, design styles and materials technology.

There is a large amount of coursework which includes a folder of work involving written and drawn designs. You will be taught practical building skills using modelling techniques, woodwork and metal work skills. Students design their own ideas based on a design brief, then model or build them. Students need to be self motivated and able to think in sequence to create their individual projects. Design and Technology is a practical subject, with a lot of written theory and drawing.

Through studying GCSE Design and Technology, learners will be prepared to participate in an increasingly technological world and learn from wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.

Assessment/examinations
50% written exam
50% coursework

The exam is content heavy with a focus on materials knowledge and design theory. This includes linked learning to mathematics and science topics. The coursework is a folder of work that explores, designs and develops a solution to the problem set by the exam board. This is a great opportunity for putting a real world focus to design solutions and would suit a student who is both practically minded and creative. Please be aware that the practical outcome is only worth 20% of this course and that the main focus is on research, design and evaluative skills.

Future progression beyond Year 11
A qualification in Design and Technology can lead on to higher or further education. Students could go onto vocational courses or apprenticeships in areas such as Carpentry, Art and Design, Construction and Building, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Building and Decorating, Plumbing, Welding and Fabrication.

Students could go on to do A Levels in Design and Technology, Graphic Design, Product Design, Art and Design or Engineering.

This course could lead onto a career at a junior or senior level (with higher education) in Architecture, Product Design, Carpentry, Building Trades, Engineering, Web Design, Graphic Design, Publishing, Interior Design, Sign Writing, Furniture Design, Set Design, Manufacture, Teaching.

Exam Board: Educas

Lead Contact: louise.keeling@hdhs.school (Main teacher)Secondary Contact: leanne.thorpe@hdhs.school (KS4 Subject Leader)

Yr 11 Teachers

11z/DtY - Mrs L. Keeling - louise.keeling@hdhs.school

Yr 10 Teachers

10z/DtY- Mrs L. Keeling - louise.keeling@hdhs.school

10z/DtZ - Mrs L. Keeling - louise.keeling@hdhs.school

Yr 9 Teachers

9Z/DtmZ - Mr S. Moyo - samule.moyo@hdhs.school

9z/DtX - Mr S. Moyo - samule.moyo@hdhs.school

9z/DtKB - Mr S. Moyo - samule.moyo@hdhs.school

9z/DtKZ - Mrs L. Keeling - louise.keeling@hdhs.school