GCSE Design Technology 

TEACHER IN CHARGE: Miss C Light   EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA WEBSITE ADDRESS:  www.aqa.org.uk

Design Technology Information Video

What will I study?

●       Core technical principles: of all material categories (papers and boards, natural and manufactured timbers, metals and alloys, polymers, textiles)

●       Specialist technical principles: Paper and Board, Timber, Metal and Polymer based materials.

●       Designing and making principles through the investigation of iconic designers, brands and their products.

●       Mathematical skills and scientific knowledge application in design and technology

How many pieces of coursework are required?

One – A non-exam assessment (NEA): 30-35 hours approx. The digital e-portfolio consists of 20 slides (A3 equivalent) which evidence the research, design, development, manufacturing and evaluation of a final prototype(s). (50% of final mark)

How many examinations will I take?

One - In the summer of Year 11 when students complete a 2-hour technical written exam paper. (50% of final mark)

●    Section A - Core Technical Principles (20 marks)

A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of knowledge and understanding

●    Section B - Specialist Technical Principles (30 marks)

Several short answer questions and one extended response to assess a more depth knowledge of technical principles

●   Section C - Designing and Making Principles (50 marks)

A mixture of short answer and extended response questions

What qualities do I need to be successful?

You should be interested in:

●    All areas of Design Technology and manufacturing using timber and metals, including CAD and CAM mass production with 2D and 3D computer  simulation and product development for prototyping.

●    Learning about and using modern manufacture using fabricating and wasting methods.

●    Investigating new technologies.

●    Being creative, imaginative and practical and solving problems.

●    Investigating and experimenting with techniques and materials.

●    Developing ideas from sketch to a final outcome.

●    Using a combination of hand-drawn and computer-aided design to generate ideas to manufacture.

What sort of teaching styles are typically used?

A range of teaching styles will be used, including whole-class, focused practical tasks, group work, one-to-one tutorial sessions, ICT-led sessions and individually led challenges.

Will I have any choice in terms of the subject areas I study?

All students will be given an initial design brief that may focus on one area, but it will allow for the students to develop creative thinking and ability into expressing their own interpretation of the final outcome.