Head of Department: - Mrs F Ross
Examining Board: AQA

What Will I Study?

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the following areas within Design and Technology:

• Core technical principles
• Specialist technical principles
• Designing and making principles

In Year 10 – students will continue to follow a spiral curriculum to develop a deeper understanding of the manufacturing and production of materials and products.  They will build upon the skills developed at KS3 and become experts of designing a product that meets the needs of an every day problem.  Students become specialists in understanding the manufacturing of materials and products and the design process used within industry.  Students will develop skills in using a wide range of tools and computer software to enable them to produce items from  a range of differing materials.

In Year 11 – students complete one Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) task worth 50% of their final GCSE which is completed in school.  This assessment has less practical and more of a written and design focus, students will be given a task from the exam board and they will work through the recognised design process to develop a solution to this problem.  They will also cover the theoretical elements of the course developing a deep understanding of the industry in preparation for their written examination.

What Skills Will I Develop?

Design and Technology students will have a sound knowledge of the construction and engineering world.  They will have transferable skills that can be utilised across the curriculum but most importantly skills that can be used in the world of work.

• Problem solving and the ability to adapt to change.
• Creativity and risk taking
• Ability to work independently or within a group, applying listening and reasoning techniques to ensure the best outcome.
• Specialised techniques and the ability to use a wide range of tools and equipment.

How Will I Be Assessed?

One written examination of 2 hours worth 50% of the final mark.

The exam paper will assess their knowledge and ability to apply design techniques.

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)

Students will submit one NEA comprising of a project style assessment.  They will be expected to research, design and analyse to develop a solution to a problem that will be provided by the exam board.

The nature of this work requires students to at times participate in enrichment tasks to ensure the final model they make is to a high standard.  The NEA is worth 50% of their GCSE and takes all elements of the design process in to account when marking their assessment.

For more information please see the Technology Learning Journey and Curriculum Overview.