Design Technology
Key skills (subject specific) that are developed:
Design and Technology is vital in giving students the opportunity to develop their understanding through problem solving and creativity. Design and Technology allow students to communicate their thinking into design solutions. Design and Technology give students the opportunity to design and make products that meet people’s needs. It is a challenging subject that enables them to:
- Design and make quality products
- Gain confidence
- Develop an enquiring and open mind
- Understand the impact of design upon our environment
- Become resilience through problem solving
- Develop team building skills
- Be initiative
KS4
Summary
AQA Technology 50% NEA (coursework) and 50% written exam
Controlled Assessments s account for 50% of the marks of the course are started in the autumn term of Year 10. This is completed in December of Year 11 with interim deadlines for the final completion of sections provided by the teacher. The written exam accounts for the remaining 50% of the marks.
In the Summer Term, each student will sit a formal, internal exam which will consist of all elements taught throughout the course. Appropriate preparation in the form of revision should be taken seriously with sufficient planning and organisation to ensure each student fulfils their potential.
Useful websites:
Useful websites:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552
www.design-technology.info/revisionguides
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zby2bdm
http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/how-its-made/
www.teachers-direct.co.uk/resources/quiz-busters/subjects/ks4/design-and-technology.aspx
https://www.designtechnology.org.uk/
Museums:
http://www.rocalondongallery.com
https://www.davidgillgallery.com
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Design and Technology Product design allow pupils to gain the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.
Pupils investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice.
Pupils gain a real understanding of design processes, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
AQA Technology: Product Design is 50% NEA (coursework) and 50% written exam, divided into 2 papers. Paper 1 worth 30% and paper 2 worth 20%.
Controlled Assessments account for 50% of the marks of the course is started in the spring term of Year 12. This is completed in December of Year 13 with interim deadlines for the final completion of sections provided by the teacher. The written exam accounts for the remaining 50% of the marks (30% paper 1 and 20% paper 2).
In the Summer Term, each student will sit a formal, internal exam which will consist of all elements taught throughout the course. Appropriate preparation in the form of revision should be taken seriously with sufficient planning and organisation to ensure each student fulfils their potential.
Year 12
Summary:
Year 12 focuses on developing the skills learnt in Key stage 4 and gaining a real understanding of what it means to be a designer.
During this year students focus on the following:
- Understanding materials and their applications.
- Testing materials, critical analysis of environmental impact of using materials.
- Develop understanding of the performance characteristics of materials.
Prototype and model making
- Design theory, methods and processes.
- Technology and cultural changes.
- Design processes in school and in the manufacturing sector.
Designing and development
- Modern and industrial commercial practice.
- Digital design and manufacture (CAD/CAM skills).
- Product development and evolution.
- Iterative design in commercial context
Skills developed in Year 12 are set to support pupils in the exam board NEA which is released in the summer of Year 12.
|
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
|---|---|---|
|
Knowledge: Exploring a wide variety of designer products and understanding the difference in their design inspiration, purpose, intention and design processes. Skills: Prototype skills, students explore a range of approaches to creating a range or prototype model. CAD skills Introduction to theory |
Shipping container home project Introduction to NEA |
NEA |
Progression Routes:
- All fields of design including product, 3D, Interior, fashion, textiles, footwear, exhibition, jewellery, furniture
- All fields of engineering including civil, mechanical, automotive, aeronautical, marine, environmental, design engineering
- TV/film sectors including set design, model making and special effects
- Advertising and communications industry including digital marketing
- Architecture and the built environment, town planning
Year 13
Summary:
In Year 13 pupils will focus on completing NEA and written exams.
Topics covered:
- National and international standards in product design.
- Forming, redistribution and addition processes of timer and metal.
- Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal.
- Identifying and investigating design possibilities.
- Developing design ideas and realising design ideas.
- Analysing and evaluating current design trends.
- Iterative design process as the final project for this A leve
Written Exam
PAPER 1
What’s assessed:
Technical principles
How its assessed:
- Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- 120 marks
- 30% of A-Level
Questions:
Mixture of short answers and extended response
PAPER 2
What’s assessed:
Designing and making principles
How its assessed:
- Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- 20% of A-Level
Questions:
Mixture of short answers and extended response questions
Section A:
Product Analysis: 30 marks
Up to 5 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s)
Section B:
Commercial manufacture: 50 marks
Mixture of short and extended questions
|
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
Completing NEA |
Theory, in preparation of exams |
Preparation for the summer exams |
Useful Websites:
http://www.dthub.net/index.html
http://www.olejarz.com/arted/perspective/
http://www.technologystudent.com
http://www.bsiglobal.com/Education/StudentsKS3+4/index.xalter
https://www.brainscape.com/subjects/aqa-product-design
Useful Apps:
- Design & technology by J Plimmer is a good app and can be downloaded for Apple and Andriod for 79p.
- Plastic Guide by Bruder Consulting AB (Free to download for Apple and Andriod)
- iDT HD by Ray Gentleman (Free to download for Apple and Andriod)
- iD Cards - Loughborough Design School By Loughborough University (Free to download for Apple and Andriod)
