Design & Technology

Why choose this subject?

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

What will I learn?

Our GCSE allows students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth and apply previously acquired Engineering principles and craft skills

How is the subject examined?

Written exam: 2 hours and worth 50% of the GCSE

Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks)

A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding.

Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks)

Several short answer questions (2–5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in-depth knowledge of technical principles

Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks)

A mixture of short answer and extended response questions.

Non-exam assessment (NEA): 30–35 hours and worth 50% of the GCSE

Substantial design and make task

Contextual challenges to be released annually by AQA on 1 June in the year prior to examination Students will produce a prototype and a portfolio of evidence

Work will be marked by teachers and moderated by AQA

Mr A J Beddard Head of Design & Technology

a.beddard@merchanttaylors.com

Drama

Component 1: Understanding drama (40% of the GCSE)

What's assessed?

Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre

Study of one set play from a choice of six Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers

How it's assessed:

Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Section A: multiple choice

Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen

Section C: one question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production

Component 2: Devising drama – practical (40% of the GCSE)

What's assessed?

Process of creating devised drama

Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer) Analysis and evaluation of own work

How it's assessed:

Devising log (60 marks)

Devised performance (20 marks)

This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

Component 3: Texts in practice – practical (20% of the GCSE)

What's assessed?

Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer) Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1

How it's assessed:

Performance of Extract 1 (20 marks) and Extract 2 (20 marks) This component is marked by AQA.

This course suits anyone who is interested in theatre Students are taken to professional productions in Liverpool, Manchester and elsewhere. Professional actors such as Samuel Roukin visit the department and run workshops.

This GCSE course forms a bridge to the A Level course, and to Drama School for those interested in pursuing Drama as a career

Mr C. Harrison Head of Performing Arts

c.harrison@merchanttaylors.com