Design Technology
Key Stage 3
At KS3, this subject is designed to give pupils the opportunity to develop and improve their understanding, knowledge and designing and making skills.
Health Safety in the Workshop is taught at the beginning of the Key Stage. All pupils are expected to comply with the workshops health and safety requirements.
Pupils use appropriate tools, equipment and various resistant materials, working in a purpose built workshop environment. Each topic is based on a ‘Themed Scenario’ which will focus on designing for a need. Projects include Design and Make Activities, Construction, CAD/CAM and Micro Electronics.
By the end of KS3, pupils should have sufficient experience and knowledge from working with materials (metals, plastics and wood) to make a guided choice towards this subject as an option at KS4 if they want to.
Key Stage 4
The Edexcel GCSE(9-1) in Design and Technology encourages learners to be inspired, challenged and self-motivated by following a broad programme of study. This allows pupils to gain an insight into related sectors, such as Analysing and Evaluating, Designing for a Need, Making Prototypes, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Construction Techniques and related Mathematics. It also allows pupils to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.
The course provides pupils with a broad range of skill which offer the opportunity to develop in Key Areas such as:-
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Written and Graphic Communication
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Application of Mathematics within Construction
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Information and Communication Technology
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Working with Others
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Using CAD/CAM (where appropriate)
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Problem Solving
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Designing and Making
How is this course assessed?
The course has four assessment objectives…
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AO1. Identify, Investigate. Designing for needs and wants (10%)
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AO2. Design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose (30%)
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AO3. Analyse and evaluate (20%)
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AO4. Technical and manufacturing principles (40%)
As part of this course, pupils follow a two part examination theme.
Part 1: Designing and Making.
This consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of set tasks. These design tasks are set by the exam board and are awarded 50% of the total marks for this course.
Part 2: Written Paper
Pupils will sit a 1hr 45mins exam. It is divided into two sections, 40% core content and 60% materials categories.
Section A, The Core Content. This covers aspects of new and emerging technologies, ethics, environmental impacts, plus a broad overview of materials and tools used in design.
Section B. Materials Category. This section concentrates on the pupils chosen material and allows them to show their speciality knowledge in one subject area they have selected from:-
Metals, Papers and Boards, Polymers (plastics) or Timbers.
How can I use this qualification in the future?
Skilled people within the Design, Construction Trades and Engineering are highly paid and much sought after. A qualification in Design Technology, will give pupils a good level of understanding to access further study in any of these areas. This could be in a local collage or by an apprentice training work placement.
With this qualification, you can apply for college courses at Foundation, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
What skills and qualities do I need?
Regular attendance is expected of all students, and like all other qualifications offered, you will be expected to take responsibity for your own learning. This course will improve and enhancing your personal qualities.
More details about the Edexcel GCSE(9-1) can be found on the Pearson Edexcel Qualifications Website.
