Options in Design and Technology at KS4

The Design and Technology department offers four areas of study for years 10 and 11. Each student will have to choose one area of study for the full two years.

Designing is an activity which uses a wide range of experiences, knowledge and skills to find a solution to a problem. It controls and affects much of what we do in everyday life. Designing is far more than just problem-solving. It involves the whole process of producing a solution from conception to evaluation. All Design and Technology courses will allow students the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of industrial practices, systems and control

Resistant Materials at GCSE

The course will provide opportunities for practical designing and making largely through wood, metal and plastics, and questions on the examination paper will be limited to these materials. Coursework, however, allows for a rich variety of materials, e.g. textiles, ceramics, glass and a variety of approaches, from jewellery to constructional projects. A single design and make project will be submitted for assessment during the second year of the course.

ASSESSMENT:
Coursework 60% - consists of one extended integrated Design and Technology task to involve 40 hours of supervised time. The project involves the production of a design folder and realisation of the design.
Examination 40% - one 2 hour paper with prior preparation work

This course will allow pupils to develop their graphic and modelling skills. Design briefs will be set that encourage pupils to explore imaginative and creative solutions to real life problems set in the world of advertising, illustration, printing, interior design, architectural design and product design.
Students will learn to use a wide range of communication techniques including sketching, 3-dimensional model making, presentation drawing, technical illustration and computer graphics. These skills will be used to present a single integrated project which will result in an artefact supported by a design folder in the second year of the course.
Graphic Products at GCSE

ASSESSMENT:
Coursework 60% - consists of one extended integrated Design and Technology task to involve 40 hours of supervised time. The project involves the production of a design folder and realisation of the design.
Examination 40% - one 2 hour paper with prior preparation work

This course is designed to provide opportunities for investigation, designing, making and evaluation using food as a material. Students should be able to apply knowledge of i) Food product design, development and production, ii) Food as a material, iii) Food manufacturing and processing and iv) Industrial practices/systems and control. Emphasis can be on the production of prototypes for the food industry or can be on the production of foods for catering outlets.
Food at GCSE

ASSESSMENT:
Coursework 60% - consists of one extended integrated Design and Technology task to involve 40 hours of supervised time. The project involves the production of a design folder and realisation of the design.
Examination 40% - one 2 hour paper with prior preparation work

This course is concerned with ‘designing and making’ using textiles. The emphasis can be on producing fashion garments and accessories and the study of fashion or can be on the aesthetic creation of textile products for use in indoor and outdoor spaces. Both have a common knowledge base of fibres and fabrics which are used to make products for specified functions and to meet specific needs.
Textiles at GCSE

ASSESSMENT:
Coursework 60% - consists of one extended intergrated Design and Technology task to involve 40 hours of supervised time. The project involves the production of a design folder and realisation of the design.
Examination 40% - one 2 hour paper with prior preparation work.
All technology subjects will have the following tiering arrangements:
TIER GRADES

Foundation G - C
Higher D - A*

Options in Design and Technology at AS/A Level

Product Design at A/AS Level will allow students to work in one or a combination of the following material areas:

* Resistant Materials
* Graphic Products
* Textiles

What do I need to Know or be able to do before taking this course?

Students embarking on AS/A Level Product Design are expected to achieve at least a Grade C in GCSE Design and Technology.
What will I learn on this A Level course?

The assessment will test the candidates ability to:

1. Develop and sustain their own innovation, creativity and to produce high quality products.
2. Develop a critical understanding of the influences of the processes and products of design and technology activity from an historical perspective and in current practice.
3. Apply essential knowledge, understanding and skills of design production processes to a range of technological activities and to develop an understanding of industrial practices.
4. Use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to enhance their design and technology capability.
5. Develop critical evaluation skills in technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental, social and cultural contexts.
6. Develop as discerning consumers able to make informed choices; develop positive attitudes of co-operation and citizenship and work collaboratively.

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

The study of AS Level Product Design, in addition to providing a firm foundation to the full A level AS aims to meet the needs of:

* Those wishing to broaden there post 16 course.
* Those wishing to commit themselves to only one more year in full-time education.
* Those who are not yet sure about which areas they wish to specialise and who would like to defer the decision until later.

What examinations will I have to take to get my Qualifications?

AS Level Units

Unit 1: Industrial and Comercial Products and Practices

1. Materials/Systems/Components.
2. Industrial and commercial Practices.
3. Quality.
4. Health and Safety.

Unit 2: Product Development 1

1. Project chosen by student, designed and made by them.
2. Covers all the skills relating to designing and making.

Unit 3: Materials, Components and Systems

The study of materials, components and systems from chosen focus area including CAD/CAM or Design and Technology in Society.
A2 Level Units

Unit 4: Further Study of Materials, Components and Systems

Unit 5: Product Development 2

1. Project chosen by student, designed and made by them.
2. Covers all the skills relating to designing and making.
3. Same assessment criteria as found in AS but requiring greater sophistication and depth of Knowledge.

Unit 6: Design and Technology Capability

This unit considers the skills, Knowledge and understanding of the design and making process.