Key Stage 4
At GCSE each pupil is expected to choose one of the Design and Technology Product Design specifications to follow throughout Year 10 and Year 11. These are taught within specialist workshop environments that embrace traditional and modern tools, machines and processes. Pupils will work with a variety of materials to design, manufacture, test and evaluate the products of tomorrow, allowing them to develop practical ability as well as their problem solving skills. Theory work will account for approximately 40 % of the pupils’ time and will cover the social and environmental aspects of Design and Technology within society and the impact that materials and manufacturing has upon their lives. Pupils will use ICT and Computer Aided Design and Manufacture to both develop and enhance their work within the subject.
Each of the specifications requires a 40 hour coursework project to be completed during the later stages of Year 10 and throughout Year 11. This project accounts for 60% of the final GCSE grade, with the remaining 40% being made up from the examination at the end of Year 11.
Choose one of the following:
Product Design: 3D Modelling
Within this area pupils will work with the more resistant materials such as woods, metals and plastics as well as embracing the new ‘smart materials’ that are becoming more readily available. Pupils will be expected to design and manufacture products that are designed to be mass-produced and that appeal to the mass market. Products designed and manufactured will include furniture, lighting, small appliance prototypes (e.g. kettles and irons) and jewellery.
Product Design: Styling and Advertising
Within this area pupils will work mainly using paper, card and plastics as well as embracing the new ‘smart materials’ that are becoming more readily available. Pupils will be expected to design and manufacture products that are designed to be mass-produced and that appeal to the mass market. Presentation techniques and drawing skills are important within this area. Products to be designed and manufactured will include small electrical prototypes (e.g. MP3 players and hand-held devices), point of sale displays, advertising and promotional material and packaging.
GCSE Resistant Materials
The pupils taught within the small group provision at the school, and those taught in learning pathway ‘C’ will study Resistant Materials at GCSE level. This qualification allows pupils a much more hands on approach to Design and Technology. Learning is through practical experience rather than taught theory lessons. Projects range from bird feeders to furniture and allow the pupils to engage with tools and materials that prepare them for further education or careers in joinery, carpentry or construction.
