Design Technology

Subject Leader: Mrs Clarke

If you wish to learn more about our curriculum please contact the Subject Lead by clicking on their name above.

Key Stage 4

GCSE in Design and Technology

Exam Board: Eduqas

Course Overview
The course allows learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems. Through studying GCSE Design and Technology, learners will study in an increasingly technological world; and be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors. 
Component 1:  Design and Technology in the 21st Century (Exam)
Technical principles 
Designing and making principles - analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.
Component 2: Design and Make (Coursework)
This is a design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by the exam board.

The following skills and abilities are assessed:

Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities
Designing and making prototypes
Analysing and evaluating design decisions
Wider issues in design and technology. 


Assessment: 50% Exam, 50% Coursework

Curriculum Content

Year 7

Pupils are on a carousel with Food Technology and will spend 20 weeks of the school year in Design Technology.

They will develop skills and knowledge in the following:
Health and safety
Workshop (manufacturing techniques, tools and machinery)
Materials
Drawing techniques
The design process
Computer Aided Design
Programming

Driving question: What do we need to consider when designing, creating and evaluating a product? 
Projects: Keyring project and Combination Square

Year 8 

Pupils are on a carousel with Food Technology and will spend 20 weeks of the school year in Design Technology. They will develop skills and knowledge in the following:

Health and safety                                                                                                         Workshop (manufacturing techniques, tools and machinery)
Materials                                                                                                                    Drawing techniques
The design process
Computer Aided Design
Programming                                                                                                              Electronics

Driving question: What do we need to consider when designing, creating and evaluating a product?

Projects: Anglepoise Lamp

Year 9 

Pupils are on a carousel with Food Technology and will spend 20 weeks of the school year in Design Technology.

They will develop skills and knowledge in the following:

Health and safety                                                                                   Workshop (manufacturing techniques, tools and machinery)
Materials                                                                                               Drawing techniques
The design process
Computer Aided Design
Programming
Mechanisms

Driving question: What do we need to consider when designing, creating and evaluating a product?
 
Projects:
Dispenser

  

Year 10 & 11

What information should be gathered to inform design decisions?
How can investigations inform the brief and design specification?
How can we effectively communicate design ideas?
How can we determine the best methods to manufacture a prototype?
What information should we use to evaluate and analyse products and ideas?
What are the advantages of mechanical devices and components and how can these be used in everyday products?
How can new and emerging technologies inform design decisions?
How do electronic systems provide functionality to products and processes?
How can designers determine the suitability of materials for a product?

Suggested Revision Guides and Books:

 Out of School Learning (OSL) and Extracurricular Activities:

GCSE OSL runs every Friday after school from 3pm-4pm.