GCSE Design and Technology
This course aims to: |
- Provide candidates with the opportunity to develop and explore a range of making and designing skills.
- Encourages candidates to creatively respond to design briefs combining designing and modelling skills.
- Investigate and research a design problem, analyse different people’s views and develop a creative design in response.
- Create and develop a portfolio of designing whilst developing and experimenting with different materials and processes.
- Use a range of tools and equipment to manufacture, test and evaluate a product along with the opportunity to use CAD, other new and traditional media and materials.
Why study GCSE Design and Technology? |
In Design and Technology, students will combine theoreical content and practical application with creative thinking to design and make products that meet human needs. They will learn to use current technologies, consider the impact of future technological developments, and will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems. Students will be enthused by the range of creative opportunities available. The course allows for a diverse range of outcomes and encourages students to take risks and explore what is possible when designing and making.
What kind of student is suitable for this course? |
This course would be suitable for students who like to appreciate design in its many forms and who enjoy using their imagination. Students who choose this GCSE will have a passion for being creative, designing and making, modelling ideas, and refining them to get the best outcome possible. They should be interested in analysing products with a curious eye for finding out more about what interests them as emerging designers.
What career options are opened by this course? |
This course is suitable for students who are interested in careers in the design, engineering, construction, and manufacturing sector. Potential careers include architecture, product design, furniture design, fashion design, set and stage design, marketing and advertising, industrial design and many more.
This course promotes not just practical skills but an understanding of the design process. This course would also benefit students who are interested in careers that require an ability to make decisions, solve problems and think divergently.
Course structure |
The course comprises of 50% Non-Examined Assessment and 50% written paper.
Year 10
In Year 10 students will undertake a range of projects to prepare them for the externally set assessment in Year 11. They will develop an understanding of the broad perspectives of the designed world and understand the role designers play in product development. This will include recognising a need, designing and creating solutions through effective communication of ideas and the means of evaluating the outcome. Students will be taught how to make products using a range of materials and processes suitable for one-off or small-scale production. They will gain an understanding of the commercial manufacture of graphic products and the increasing role of CAD/CAM at all levels.
Year 11
In Year 11 students will undertake a single design-and-make activity which is selected from a range of externally set contexts. Students will need to submit a 3-dimensional outcome and a concise design folder.
Alongside the externally set NEA (Non-Examined Assessment), students will also have weekly theory lessons, which will help to embed and expand their knowledge of materials, technology, manufacturing processes, applied maths in design, issues concerning the environment and design and making principals.
At the end of Year 11, all students will sit a two-hour exam to test their knowledge of core design and technology principals and specialist knowledge in materials.
Key contact |
Miss Twiddy – Head of Design and Technology
Syllabus website |
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552