Design and Technology
Qualification - GCSE
Design and Technology is an exciting and enjoyable course which will enable you to continue to develop your designing and making skills using a variety of materials such as wood, metal and plastics.
In Year 10 you will undertake three mini design and make activities which will help you to work and learn more independently in preparation for your controlled assessment in Year 11.
You will learn new ways of communicating your ideas through a wide range of 2D and 3D drawing techniques, including the use of computer aided design.
You will also have an opportunity to extend and refine your practical skills through modelling and making with a range of different materials and processes, including computer aided manufacture.
Skills Required
You need to be well-organised and self- disciplined, so you are able to get on with work on your own. For your controlled task you will need:
• Good literacy skills
• Good mathematical skills
• Good drawing skills
• Good practical skills
• The ability to think and solve problems
• Imagination and creativity
Assessment Method
Unit 1 – 2 Hour exam paper
Section A – Core technical principles (20 Marks)
Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 Marks)
Section C – Designing and making principles (50 Marks)
Unit 2 – Non – Exam Assessment (NEA)
This is a major design and make project worth 50% of the marks of the final GCSE. The context for the project will be set by the examination board in June Year 10 and pupils will continue to work on the project until Easter Year 11.
Post 16 Opportunities and careers
A good GCSE grade in Design and Technology will automatically qualify you to take A-level in the same subject. This may lead to careers in product design, graphic design, industrial design, education, architecture and engineering to name but a few. These qualifications will also equip you well to look for apprenticeships in a wide variety of fields.
“Did you know that Sir Jonathan Ive, the chief designer at Apple and the creator of the iMac, the iPhone the iPad and the iPod started his career by studying product design at school and then at Northumbria University”
‘This is one subject where I really have to think hard’ - Ellie
