Design and Technology

What will I gain from studying this subject? Design and Technology is the fusion of art and science, learning how to create and prototype new products for the commercial world. Product Designers and Design Engineers are the people who have the ability to manage often conflicting factors and lead by good design.

By studying this subject you will be giving yourself the opportunity to take part in shaping the world, and solving problems such as climate change through responsible and innovative design.

You will increase your creative and technical skills whilst understanding how business, including the manufacturing sector, operate. You will give yourself a head start in being better prepared to enter into that business world from having project management experience.

How will my work be assessed? 50% of the work will be assessed through a NEA, which is a 6 month design and prototyping project. The other 50% is assessed through an exam that is a mixture of multiple choice, short and long answer questions.

Exam board: AQA Spec code: 8552 Option Subject

What will I study? The core modules you will study are: • New and Emerging Technologies • Energy Generation and Storage • Developments in New Materials • Systems Approach to Designing • Mechanical Devices • Materials and their Working Properties • Specialist Technical Principles • Applied Design Strategies

Enrichment Opportunities There are a range of enrichment activities associated with the subject that include: • Green Car challenge – We have won a bid to get involved with the Green Car Challenge. This involves assembling, designing, prototyping, modifying, testing and racing the car at different circuits around the UK. There are regional races which, if we’re fast enough, will eventually lead to a national final race. The opportunities to be involved are numerous, from design & engineering, trackside strategy and support to being one of the racing drivers. This really will be a great way to putting you creativity and problem solving ability into a real life context • Innovation Society - a think tank to explore innovative concepts and ideas with a view to developing some ideas for future enterprise schemes.

Head of Design and Technology Mr Marc Silverthorn silverthornm@rendcombcollege.org.uk