Subject
Design and Technology
Ks4 Examination Board: AQA Syllabus Number: 4550 Course Description and Organisation GCSE Design and Technology: Graphic Products enables students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of graphic and modelling materials. Students will be enthused and challenged by the range of practical activities possible. They will be encouraged to learn to use, understand and apply colour and design through images, to develop spatial concepts, and to understand graphic materials and their manipulation. They will design and make product(s) using graphic media and new technologies to prepare them for the world of work. This course has 60% controlled assessment in order to recognise the importance of practical work within this subject. Assessment Arrangements Students are entered for the examination at the end of Year 11 with grades available from A* to G (there are no separate tiers of entry). Assessment comprises: Unit 1 - A written/design examination which lasts 2 hours (40% of the final grade). Unit 2 - An extended piece of controlled assessment coursework lasting approximately 45 hours to include ‘Designing and Making’ (60% of the final grade). Project/Coursework Details and Deadlines Students should develop an understanding of the broad perspectives of the designed world. They should understand the role designers play in Graphic Products. This will include recognising a need, designing and creating solutions through effective communication of ideas and the means of evaluating the outcome. Skills in designing and making will be developed through various projects, practical tasks and homework. During the early part of the course, project topics will be compulsory; however, in the final year, students may select a project title from a list set by the exam board. Coursework carries the highest weighting of the two units, so it is important that students select wisely to ensure that they maintain their interest throughout the year. Career Opportunities Students will develop a good background of technological knowledge with specific skills in a range of drawing, modelling and CAD work. The course will be a good foundation for students wishing to take ‘A’ level Technology or BTEC Engineering and would also be useful for students considering a career in graphic design, advertising or architecture. Exam Board Link
http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4550-W-SP-14.PDF
Examination Board: AQA Syllabus Number: 4540 Course Description and Organisation GCSE Design and Technology: Electronic Products (4540) helps students to design and make quality electronic products with creativity, originality and flair using a wide range of electronic components with appropriate materials to package the electronic circuit. The packaging of the electronic circuit can include individually designed cases made from a range of
resistant materials, textiles, card or recycled materials. Alternatively, candidates can purchase a commercially-made case and modify the case to meet their project needs. This two-unit specification requires students to develop their ability to consider sustainability and environmental impact on their designing. It also provides the candidate with the opportunity to design and make an electronic product using new technologies and modern electronic devices. This course has 60 per cent controlled assessment. Assessment Arrangements Students are entered for the examination at the end of Year 11 with grades available from A* to G (there are no separate tiers of entry). Assessment comprises: Unit 1 - A written/design examination which lasts 2 hours (40% of the final grade). Unit 2 - An extended piece of controlled assessment coursework lasting approximately 45 hours to include ‘Designing and Making’ (60% of the final grade). Project/Coursework Details and Deadlines This specification has been designed to encourage students to be able to design and make quality electronic products with creativity, originality and flair, using a wide range of electronic components with appropriate materials to package the electronic circuit. Students will be enthused and challenged by the range of practical opportunities the course offers. The packaging of the electronic circuit can include individually designed cases made from a range of resistant materials, textiles, card or recycled materials. Alternatively, students can purchase a commercially made case and modify the case to meet their project needs. The specification is designed to foster awareness amongst students of the need to consider sustainability and the environmental impact on their designing. The Specification retains much of the content of the very successful previous GCSE specification and continues to provide students with the opportunity to design and make an electronic product using new technologies and modern electronic devices. Career Opportunities Students will develop a good background of technological knowledge with specific skills in a range of component identification, circuit design and manufacture, drawing, modelling and CAD work. The course will be a good foundation for students wishing to take ‘A’ level Technology and/ or BTEC Engineering and would also be useful for students considering a career in electrical and/or electronic engineering. Exam Board Link
http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4540-W-SP-14.PDF
Examination Board: AQA Syllabus Number: 4560 Course Description and Organisation GCSE Design and Technology: resistant materials helps students develop the ability to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. This specification requires students to develop their knowledge of woods, metals, plastics and composite materials. Other materials may also be used and the use of new technologies is also encouraged. This course has 60% controlled assessment in order to recognise the importance of practical work within this subject. Assessment Arrangements
Students are entered for the examination at the end of Year 11 with grades available from A* to G (there are no separate tiers of entry). Assessment comprises: Unit 1 - A written/design examination which lasts 2 hours (40% of the final grade). Unit 2 - An extended piece of coursework lasting approximately 45 hours to include ‘Designing and Making’ (60% of the final grade). Project/Coursework Details and Deadlines This specification encourages students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. Students will be enthused and challenged by the range of practical activities possible. A working knowledge of woods, metals, plastics and composite materials will be required, but other, additional materials may be used. The use of new technologies is also encouraged in this specification, and it is expected that it will also foster awareness amongst students, of the need to consider sustainability and the environmental impact of their design. Career Opportunities Students will develop a good background of technological knowledge with specific skills in a range of hand skills, materials, processes, drawing, modelling and CAD work. The course will be a good foundation for students wishing to take ‘A’ level technology or BTEC engineering and would also be useful for students considering a career in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering. Exam Board Link
http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4560-W-SP-14.PDF