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Design & Technology
Exam Board : Edexcel DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Mr D Farr ● Head of Design & Technology ● dfarr@kgs.org.uk
All students study a core Design and Technology content plus an option category.
We offer three different GCSE options:
1. Systems (Electronics) 2. Timbers (Resistant Materials) 3. Papers and Boards (Graphic Products)
1. Systems (Electronics)
In the Fourth Year, students will complete two ‘design and make’ projects: an electronic musical toy and an electronic security box. In the Fifth Year, students will complete one major ‘design and make’ coursework project worth 50% of the total marks. The project is chosen from a range of set themes provided by the examination board. There is also one written examination paper worth 50% of the total marks. Areas of study include:
Modelling and constructing circuits; electronic processes and components; logic and digital circuits; smart materials; Computer-Aided Design (CAD); ComputerAided Manufacture (CAM); design and market influences; social, moral and environmental issues; health and safety; industrial manufacturing processes; ICT.
The course provides students with the opportunity to design and make quality products using a range of materials and components. Students with a keen interest in design and technology would be welcome and there is always the possibility of further education and a career in design or engineering.
2. Timbers (Resistant Materials)
In the Fourth Year, students will complete one ‘design and make’ project: a contemporary lighting project. In the Fifth Year, students will complete one major ‘design and make’ coursework project worth 50% of the total marks. Students choose from a range of set themes provided by the examination board. There is also one written examination paper worth 50% of the marks.
Areas of study include:
Materials and components; hand and commercial manufacturing processes; manufacturing techniques including CAD/CAM; smart materials; analysis of products and processes; social implications; environmental and sustainable issues; ICT; health and safety.
The course provides students with the opportunity to design and make quality products using a range of materials and components. A strong interest in developing making skills, knowledge of materials and the ability to work on a large coursework project is desirable.
3. Papers and Boards (Graphic Products)
This course provides students with the opportunity to design and make products with a particular focus on two-dimensional layouts and presentation, which are then applied to three-dimensional products, such as packaging, greetings cards and interior design. There is a focus on graphic presentation using both computer and hand-drawn methods.
In the Fourth Year, students will work on: corporate identity and branding, the design and manufacture of a piece of packaging, a pop-up greetings card and a scale architectural model of an interior. In the Fifth Year students will complete an extended major coursework project, which contributes 50% towards their final GCSE grade. They can choose from a range of projects, including packaging and interior design. There is also an examination worth 50% of their GCSE grade. Areas of study include:
Hand-drawn graphic techniques, including technical drawing and rendering; the use of CAD graphic techniques; CAM and manufacturing techniques; printing processes; special finishing, such as foiling and embossing; the understanding and selection of materials; smart materials.
Students who would like to pursue Design & Technology, but prefer the design, presentation and communication aspects, will find Graphic Products particularly rewarding. Students who have studied Graphic Products will have an advantage when applying to universities to study Graphic Design, Graphic Communications, Interior Design and Architecture.
