Subject Overview

 All pupils take part in Design Technology at Key Stage 3. They are taught on a carousel and have equal time in a number of different programmes, including Resistant Materials. Pupils can opt to study Design Technology to GCSE in Key Stage 4. 

  Key Stage 3 Overview (Years 7-9)

  Year 7 

• Design and make a personal organiser
• Model in Pro Desktop
• Design and make a key fob using CAD (2D Design), CAM
• Materials and their properties
• Designing for a client
• Oblique drawing
• Isometric Drawing

Year 8 

• Design and make an invalid aid
• Levers and linkages
• Mechanisms
• Design and make a bookmark, CAD (2D design) CAM
• Art Deco
• Design and model a CD rack CAD Pro Desktop

Year 9 

• Design and make a picture frame
• Sustainability
• Materials and their properties
• Design and model a mobile phone CAD Pro Desktop
• Design and make a egg holder CAD/CAM 2D design

  Key Stage 4 Overview (Years 10-11)

QUALIFICATION: EDUQAS GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The GCSE qualification is structured as follows:

• One untiered written paper, lasting in total 2hrs, worth 40% of marks. 
• One controlled assessment task, approximately 45 hours, worth 60% of the marks.

The controlled assessment can be split into marks for:

• Investigating the design context
• Development of the Design proposal including, 
• Modelling
• Making
• Testing and Evaluation
• Communication

 One pre-release preparation sheet is issued for Unit 1. This is to help candidates to prepare for the design question in Section A of the examination

Aims and learning outcomes

This specification encourages candidates to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study and gain an insight into related sectors, such as manufacturing and engineering. It prepares candidates to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices. 

GCSE specifications in design and technology enable candidates to: 

• Actively engage in the processes of design and technology to develop as effective and independent learners 
  
• Make decisions, consider sustainability and combine skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make quality products. 
• Explore ways in which aesthetic, technical economic, environmental, ethical and social dimensions shape designing and making 
• Analyse existing products and produce practical solution to needs, wants and opportunities, recognising their impact on quality of life 
• Develop decision-making skills through individual and collaborative working 
• Understand that designing and making reflect and influence cultures and societies and that products have an impact of lifestyle 
• Develop skills of creativity and critical analysis through making links between the principles of good design, existing solutions and technological knowledge