GCSE Exam Board: AQA (8552) Who to Speak to: Mrs. Coulthard
Design and Technology is a subject that aims to develop knowledge, creative and practical skills, leading towards invention and innovation for designing and making prototypes that solve real and relevant problems. GCSE Design and Technology - Product design is centred around working with the core material timbers but also the application of polymers and metals.
A successful Design Technology student is motivated to excel and understands the importance of producing high-quality work. They demonstrate a natural curiosity to experiment with materials, exploring their properties and limitations through hands-on practice and innovative thinking. Such students are committed to refining their designs, paying close attention to detail, and presenting their work in an organised and visually appealing manner. They actively seek to solve real-world problems by creating products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.
In the first half term students will be learning through a hands-on approach different skills associated with the subject. Students will be introduced to the use of CAD/CAM and how it can be used to enhance their design and practical work.
Students will work towards a mock NEA to solve a real-life problem. The skills learnt here will support them in the NEA which starts in June of year 10.
AQA GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
2-hour examination - 50% of final GCSE grade
A range of questions testing ‘core’ knowledge, with one extended written response question.
A range of questions testing ‘in-depth’ knowledge.
Tasks aimed at demonstrating your understanding of materials and the manufacture of products in relation to the main area of learning.
NEA (non examined assessment) - 50% of final GCSE grade
Portfolio: A chronological account of the design process.
Photographs and videos of the final prototype(s) that clearly demonstrate the practical outcome.
The study of design and technology can lead towards many career paths including product design, engineering, architecture, fashion and graphic design. It will develop your design and thinking skills that open up a world of possibility, providing the tools for you to help create the future. You will build and develop your broad knowledge and understanding from KS3, whilst also having the freedom to focus in more depth on areas of design and technology that most interest you. A variety of materials are studied and your skills will be developed through working with the appropriate materials and technologies for the task. This mirrors the world of real design and leads to further specialism at AS and A level.
Follow the link to the BBC bitesize website to see the subject content on more detail for Design and Technology