GCSE Design and Technology

Course objectives

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world.

Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

The course is designed to encourage creativity and originality using a range of materials and techniques and will encourage high level problem solving while providing a platform for students to build on if they decide to take the subject further at college or if they what to start an apprenticeship.

The course is split between a non exam assessment (NEA) which consists of a design and make task assessed through an iterative design process that can focus on a design and technology specialism. Students will undertake one design and make activity by investigating one contextual challenge.

This will make up 50% of the students overall mark and the student will submit a prototype and a supporting portfolio of design evidence. There is also an examination to sit which is worth the other 50%. The exam will assess core technical principles, specialist technical principles, designing and making principles.

Unit information

Year 10

While building on the general Design &Technology skills such as measuring and marking out, the safe use of tools and equipment, finishing techniques and model development as well as using design software such as 2D Design and Photoshop and equipment such as the laser cutter and CNC Router, the pupils will complete 3 main projects before beginning their GCSE non exam assessment in June which will run into Year 11. Alongside the coursework the students will work on the core theory work and designing and making principles which are essential for their final exam.

Year 11

The non exam assessment will run up until February while maintaining a rigorous study of the theory units such as specialist technical principles of design and technology, then focus will shift solely onto exam preparation and theory.

Why study

GCSE Design & Technology teaches students how to develop and make prototypes that solve design problems based up different contextual challenges. Students will work in an iterative way to develop their ideas, learning the various techniques and processes which are used to realise their ideas.

You will learn about model making and how to use cutting edge technology when making your prototypes. Practical situations will be given as contextual challenges and you will be asked to research, analyse, design, make and evaluate an outcome that meets the demands of the creative challenge.

Careers options

Graphic Designer, Designer, Fashion Designer, Set Designer, Building Trade, Jewellery Maker, Joiner, fashion designer, Illustrator, Games Designer, Website Designer, Animator, Cartoonist, Book Illustrator, Model Making and Special Effects for TV , Film and Theatre.

Key contact

Mr K Sawkill