Examination Board: Edexcel
Watch the video to the right to find out about the GCSE Design & Technology!
If they are a creative person who enjoys problem solving and developing ideas from the modelling stage through to a highly developed prototype, then Design & Technology could be for them.
They will need to be an independent learner who can manage their time effectively and meet deadlines
They will enjoy creative, practical challenges and will have an interest in designing and making products
They will need to draw and model ideas, but many of these skills we will teach and develop on the course
They will be competent in Maths and interested in Science
The main attribute we require is a willingness to try ideas out
This course is suitable for students of all abilities. During this course they will be offered support in a variety of ways including: excellent online resources, full access to our own dedicated website, a range of support sessions after school and opportunities to work in small groups with staff.
Those students who require it will have access to controlled assessment templates that guide you carefully through the Design Folder helping them complete work efficiently and on time. Students who have aspirations of Grade 7 and above will be challenged with projects that have a high level of demand.
The course is designed to reward innovation, imagination and flair. It reflects the contemporary use of ICT, Computer Aided Design and Manufacture. Students will actively be involved in:
Engaging in the design processes to develop as independent learners;
Exploring aesthetic, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social factors that affect designing and making;
Analysing existing products and producing practical solutions to needs;
Developing decision-making skills;
Understanding that designing and making reflect cultural and social needs;
Developing creative and practical skills.
During Year 9 students will work with a wide range of materials in their chosen specialism in order to understand and experience all aspects of the core theory.
During Years 10 and 11 they will work entirely in their chosen material, either Graphic Materials or Resistant Materials.
Coursework will start at the end of Year 10.
This is a simple choice about the type of materials students prefer working with.
Graphics: Designing and making products using card, paper and sheet plastics. This will involve a higher degree of computer graphics but will also allow students to develop 3D products using CAD/CAM ( eg. Packaging, storage, lighting , logo design )
Resistant Materials: Designing and making products using “man made” and “natural” wood. This will involve building products in the workshop using traditional methods and CAD/CAM. ( eg. Storage, Lighting, Clocks )
*The exam and specification is the same for both material options. As such students may only include one of these pathways as part of their 5 option preferences.
The written exam:
50% of the final GCSE mark;
2 hour written paper;
Tests design skills and knowledge and understanding of Design & Technology.
Controlled assessment:
50% of the final GCSE mark;
Students design, develop, test and evaluate a product in response to a set exam board brief.
There are many established A-level courses and university courses locally and nationally that our students have progressed to. Product Design encompasses a broad range of design skills that could give students access to further study in areas such as Architecture, Fashion Design, Graphics, Engineering, Interior Design and of course Product Design. Please ask us for more information.