Design & Technology

RESISTANT MATERIALS WITH WOOD SPECIALISM

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

This course is designed to encourage pupils to develop an awareness of the nature and significant importance of Design and Technology in a rapidly changing society. Pupils learn to combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environment issues, as well as function and industrial practices, all of which are essential in the technological field.

Students will become autonomous problem solvers as individuals and work as members of a team. The qualification equips students to either progress directly to employment, or to study for an Advanced Level qualification in Design and Technology. Students can also consider GNVQ Manufacturing and Engineering at another institution as well as access into engineering apprenticeships. WHICH SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE MUST I HAVE BEFORE EMBARKING ON THIS COURSE?

Candidates who are taking courses leading to this qualification have followed the corresponding Key Stage 3 programme of study within the National Curriculum or will have studied the subject in Year 9 at Kingswood. The GCSE curriculum suits students with a good grasp of mathematics, creative thinkers, problem-solvers and those who are good practically. The ability to work independently on coursework and to meet deadlines is essential for success with the non-examined assessment.

HOW IS THE WHOLE COURSE STRUCTURED AND ASSESSED?

THERE ARE 2 COMPONENTS.

Component 1: Written Paper 2 hours - 100 marks - 50%

This is a theory examination which will test the candidates’ understanding of core principles in design and technology as a whole and will also test the specialist knowledge of timber materials. This is

Component 2: Non-exam assessment (NEA)

Design and Making Practice approximately 30-35 hours - 100 marks - 50% of the total GCSE marks in a practical design and make activity.

This assessment consists of a single design and make activity and will involve candidates researching, designing and subsequently modelling a functional prototype. Candidates will select a theme from a range of tasks set by the Board in the Summer term of Year 10 and submitted in February of Year 11; it is marked internally and then moderated externally. The assessment will focus on core technical principles and specialist technical principles relating to Resistant Materials. This is a large undertaking for pupils and demands significant effort, and may require some extra time to complete their projects in after school clubs.

WHAT WERE THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY EXAMINATION RESULTS LIKE LAST YEAR?

In 2020, 40% of our students achieved a grade 8 or above and 72% achieved a grade 7 or above. 100% scored a grade 4 or higher.

FOR WHAT SIXTH FORM SUBJECTS WILL THIS COURSE BE USEFUL?

Design and Technology provides links with STEM activities as well as Economics, Maths and Physics as well as Art. Candidates who achieve a grade 6 or above are well prepared to study A Level Design and Technology. The subject lends itself to the study of creative courses at university, including: a wealth of Design related courses, Fine Art, technical subjects in the area of Engineering, and Architecture.