D&T GCSE: The structure of the GCSE course is to ensure there is an even split of theory and practical to mirror the GCSE requirements. Learners will study the core theory content once a fortnight, along with core specialisms skills once a fortnight building skills that will feed into their next project. Project based practical will cover the remaining two sessions a fortnight.  

Graphics - Learners will  be focused on a File Box design project.  Design sessions will include sessions on Design Eras/Designers  and net development . Practical sessions will focus on communication sketches and accuracy within technical drawings. .

The second half term project will be focused on a wayfinding project. Design sessions will include sessions on designing for function. Practical sessions will focus on vinyl cutting  as a key manufacturing process.

Core theory from Unit 2, ‘Energy, materials, systems and devices’  will be studied in tandem with these projects.

Designing products & manufacturing processes 

The deadlines will be shared with learners via the project timelines and within learning sessions. There will be two exam style questions in this term covering the topics taught during core theory and learnt through the specialism practical skills. Projects will also have their own success criteria and mark scheme and will be marked officially at the end, we will give learners time to re-draft before this deadline and after guidance and feedback is given.

Learners will receive guidance in a variety of ways. These include mid-point marking for their project work, with feedback and guidance, to help with their re-drafting, a final mark against the success criteria for the projects. New skills are taught through group demonstrations and small focused re-caps to allow for us to address any mis-conceptions. There are PPT’s created for each project, skill development etc so learners can revisit these at any time Teachers are constantly circulating the room during practicals and will be constantly giving verbal guidance and feedback to all learners. 

Branding, Client, Commercial process, Commercial product, Computer aided design & computer aided manufacture, Conceptual stages (of design), Ecological, Ethics, Finite, Functionality, Iterative design, Finite, Nesting, Primary source (of materials), Product Sustainability, Social, Moral and Cultural Awareness, Tolerance, Stock form, User centered design, Working properties.