Subject Choices for GCSE CO R E S U B J E C T S
O P T I O N S / T WO
Design and Technology Art We will be offering Graphic Design, Product Design and Textiles. WHY DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IS THE SUBJECT FOR YOU
CONTENT OVERVIEW
A subject that brings learning to life, requiring students
covering the Core and Specialist knowledge through
to apply their knowledge and skills from all subjects
practical and theory lessons. In Year 11, you will primarily
into real-life situations.
work on your major project (Non-examined Assessment
It allows students who want to experience a different
/ NEA), with the remainder of the time dedicated to
way of working, who enjoy problem solving, creativity
exam preparation. Students are expected to provide
and practical application.
materials for their NEA project to a budget of their own
A qualification that relates authentic real-world
choosing.
awareness of the iterative design process and strategies
All students will visit the Design Museum.
In Year 10, you will develop a wide range of skills
used by the creative, engineering and manufacturing industries. Where you will be required to use critical
ALL STUDENTS
thinking leading towards invention and design
In Year 10 you will be introduced to the core knowledge
innovation, to design and make prototypes that solve
of the DT course, learning about the 5 different material
real and relevant problems, considering your own and
areas (Textiles, Timbers, Polymers, Metals & Paper and
other stakeholders’ requirements.
Boards), as well as: New and emerging technologies,
A course for our future Designers, Architects, Engineers,
Energy generation, Development in new materials,
Technologists, Problem solvers and Inventors.
Systems approach to design, Mechanical devices and Designing and making principles. Alongside the
SUBJECT OVERVIEW
theory element, you will be working on a practical
Design and Technology will prepare students
project based on your chosen specialism, where you
to participate confidently and successfully in an
will develop a more in-depth understanding of related
increasingly technological world. Students will gain
tools, equipment, process and environmental impact.
awareness and learn from wider influences on Design
In the second term students will apply their new
and Technology including historical, social, cultural,
skills and knowledge within a practice NEA, where
environmental and economic factors. Students will get
they will develop a greater understanding of the
the opportunity to work creatively when designing and
design thinking process, working on a mini project.
making and apply technical and practical expertise.
Students will develop research techniques, sketching skills, understand the importance of feedback, as well
The course allows students to study core technical,
as continue to develop their practical skills whilst
designing and making principles, including a broad
manufacturing their outcomes. On 1st June, the exam
range of design processes, materials techniques and
board will release the 3 contexts for the NEA; at this
equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study
point you will have developed all the required skills and
specialist technical principles in greater depth. GCSEs
knowledge to independently develop a project based
that complement this qualification include Art and
on one of the contexts.
Design, Computer Science, Maths, English, Geography, Science and many more.
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