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Design and Technology
Student websiteGCSE Courses
Students can choose one of three course options for this subject at GCSE. All the courses have the same structure and mark schemes. Availability of places on each course will depend on the number of students opting for each choice.
Full Courses
There are two stimulating full course options, both leading to a full value GCSE qualification:
- Design and Technology (Systems and Control) OCR course 1957
- Design and Technology (Graphic Products) OCR course 1955
Systems and Control technology is suitable for students who have an interest in science and engineering and contains modules of work involving electronics, mechanisms, graphics and manufacturing using a variety of materials with machine and hand tools.
Graphic Products technology is suitable for students who may have an interest in industrial design or commercial art. The course contains modules of work involving hand and computer graphics, geometric drawing and the manufacture of graphic products in a range of media by industrial processes.
Both courses are timetabled for two hours per week in years 10 and 11.
Short Course
- Design and Technology (Graphic Products) OCR short course 1055
Students who want to study an extra GCSE subject can sometimes take Design and Technology as a GCSE short course. Only one course is available, timetabled at one hour each week, and represents approximately 70% of the full course workload including homework. And students should be aware of this when they make their choice.
Assessment
Assessment for the GCSE qualification consists of two written papers (one for short course) and a coursework project that account for 20%, 20% (40% short course) and 60% respectively. The topic for the coursework project is usually chosen by the student and reflects their individual interest in the subject, it comprises a 3D product with a supporting folder of design and development work. Most students enjoy the freedom of this aspect of the course as a contrast to their normal classroom studies. All students' progress is regularly assessed with written assignments and interesting practical tasks.
Design and Technology provides an excellent background for all types of engineering and is useful for many other careers. The project based apprāach, with emphasis on designing and making, develops skills in graphic communication, computer control, electronics and the application of ICT, as well as providing technological knowledge. The courses encourage students to take responsibility for their own progress and therefore form a valuable educational experience.
Both the full GCSE courses form an excellent foundation for students who may wish to take Design and Technology courses at AS or A2 level.
A-Level Course (edexcel Design & Technology (Product Design) AS 8094, A 9094)
Full specificationA-level Design & Technology blends skills in design and manufacturing to an in depth understanding of the subject theory equivalent to other science based A-levels. This subject is very suitable as a major qualification for entry into further education to study a variety of disciplines including science and engineering disciplines.
The course is focused on the two projects which both involve investigation, design and construction of solutions to problems of the student's choice. The projects allow students to put into practice the theory they have learned. The theory is initially broad based but as the course progresses it may become more specific to the student's individual interests. There will be study on design, materials and the ways they are manufactured into products. Students will be taught skills in graphics, the use of machine tools including CNC (Computer Numeric Control), techniques and application of CAD (Computer Aided Design), CADCAM, Electronics and numerous other topics. Students will receive individual tuition that caters for their individual needs and interests.
There are opportunities for students to participate in other technological activities such as the "Young Engineers for Britain" competition or "The Engineering Education Scheme". There is also a range of industrial visits planned that students find interesting and stimulating.
AS-Level Course
Unit 1 (15%)
Industrial and commercial practice
Unit 2 (20%)
Product development 1 (internally assessed)
Unit 3 (15%)
Materials components and systems
A2-Level Course
Unit 4 (15%)
Further study of materials, components and systems
Unit 5 (20%)
Product Development 2 (internally assessed, synoptic)
Unit 6 (15%)
Three hour design exam (synoptic)
Beyond A-level
Students who study Design and Technology find the subject demanding but at the same time exciting and stimulating. Most students enjoy the friendly working atmosphere in the technology block and the individual attention given by the teaching staff. There are opportunities for students to use the facilities of the Technology department outside their normal teaching time and most do. Students are encouraged to show their individual skills and interest with other in order to raise the expectations and achievement of all in the group. Design and Technology A-level has proved to be an excellent subject for university entry with many universities now actively seeking students with experience of the "problem solving" approach for entry to engineering and science based degree courses.