DESIGN TECHNOLOGY - KS4

WHO’S WHO?

Progress Leader: Mr S Chilvers
Assistant Progress Leader: Mrs K Evans (Hospitality & Catering)
Teaching Staff: Mr J Smith (Teacher of GCSE Design Technology)

COURSE INFORMATION

GCSE Design and Technology allows students to understand and gain the skills required to undertake the iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating. The majority of the specification is delivered through the practical application of this knowledge and understanding.

COURSE CONTENT

The subject content is split into three sections as follows: Core technical principles, Specialist technical principles and Designing and making principles.

In order to make effective design choices students will need a breadth of core technical knowledge and understanding that consists of new and emerging technologies, energy generation and storage, developments in new materials, systems approach to designing and mechanical devices.

Specialist technical principles covers selection of materials or components, forces and stresses, ecological and social footprint, sources and origins, using and working with materials, stock forms, types and sizes, scales of production, specialist techniques and processes and surface treatments and finishes.

Students should know and understand that all design and technology activities take place within a wide range of contexts. They should also understand how the prototypes they develop must satisfy wants or needs and be fit for their intended use. For example, the home, school, work or leisure.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

Unit 1: 50% Non-Exam Assessment – The NEA project is an investigation into a contextual challenge, and should consist of a working prototype and a concise portfolio of approximately 20 pages of A3 paper, equivalent A4 paper or the digital equivalent.
Unit 2: 50% Externally set formal examination.

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all GCSE Design and Technology specifications and all exam boards. The exams and non-exam assessment will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

AO1: Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities to address needs and wants.
AO2: Design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose.
AO3: Analyse and evaluate: design decisions and outcomes, including for prototypes made by themselves and others wider issues in design and technology.
AO4: Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of: technical principles, designing and making principles.

To read the tables please rotate to landscape or view on a larger screen.

YEAR 10
TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS / LEARNING
Autumn	Applied Design Studies: Industry and business theory Exploring different materials	Impact of design & industry on the world Overview of timbers, polymers, textiles, metals, graphics, electronic and mechanical components and smart materials Understanding Production methods Importance of sustainability
Spring	Applied Design Studies: Furniture design Project CAD/CAM & 3D Printing	being able to use Google Sketchup for design ideas 2D Design creating 2D/ 3D objects on the laser cutter Using tinkercad to produce 3D printed models Generate rotation designs
Summer	Applied Design Studies: Focus on Timbers Decorative box project 1st June Start Coursework unit	Processes and techniques in timbers Workshop practical skills Context chosen and Analysis started Research for chosen project Design Specification and Brief
YEAR 11
Autumn	Coursework unit NEA Project	Personal project design ideas generation Production of prototypes and models in card and laser cut plywood Design develop and manufacturing planned
Spring	Coursework unit NEA Project	Draw and scale prototype selecting appropriate software Refine existing design work showing development following testing Production of main product using relevant machinery/CAM to produce working model/product Self & Product Evaluation
Summer	Revision	Revision based on theoretical studies including, Industry and business, designers, sustainability, materials and processes. Exam techniques and drawing/ maths skills

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Technological visits if relevant exhibition available to support learning.

A LEVEL/BTEC REQUIREMENTS:

Students are usually required to have a Grade 9 - 5 pass at GCSE to enter AS/A2.

A Level Courses: Design and Technology product design (3D), product design (textiles) and systems and control technology.
BTEC Courses include Level 3 Extended Diplomas in 3D Design and Technical design production.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING

Ask them what think about Design and Technology? Ask them how something works? Why is it designed like that? What would happen if they didn’t use they design? Encourage problem solving and making activities.

WHERE TO GO:

The Design Museum
Legoland discovery Centre
Museum of Science & Industry Manchester
STEM Discovery Centre Stevenage
Museum of Liverpool
The V&A Museum London
Science Museum London

WHAT TO WATCH:

How it’s Made
How Do They Do That
The Gadget Show
Inside The Factory
Manufacturing Documentaries
Any YouTube videos new modern and smart materials
YouTube: Any video clips on GCSE students' work focusing on prototypes

WHAT TO READ:

The Elements of pop up, A popup book for aspiring paper engineers by James Diaz and David A Carter
Choosing and using hand tools by Andy Rae
The Eco-Design Handbook by Alastair Faud – Luke

ONLINE:

FUTURE CAREERS:

Aerospace Engineer, Architect, Cabinet Designer/Maker, Carpenter, Civil Engineering Technician, Construction and Building services, Computer Aided Design Technician, Design & Draughting Technician, Electrician, Engineering Model maker, Gardener, Graphic Designer, Lighting Technician, Locksmith, Mechanic, Plasterer, Plumber, Product Designer, Quantity Surveyor, School Teacher/Lecturer, Service Technician, Set Designer, Sign writer, Telecommunications Designer, Window Fitter.