Product Design - Design and Technology GCSE
Member of Staff Responsible: Mrs C. Knight
Examinations: GCSE Board – AQA
SPECIFICATION
This qualification is intended for students who enjoy designing and making 3D products. It is aimed at those with a preference for the type of processes, equipment and materials used in Design and Technology during KS3 (e.g. Woods, Metals, Plastics, 3D Constructions), and wish to further continue in those workshops/classrooms. Year 10 and 11 both involve short practical skills building activities, where new processes and skills will be explored and developed. Extended design and make assignments also take place where more time is given for imaginative ideas to develop, and making skills to be explored in greater depth.
During year 11, students also complete a final assignment set by the exam board. The ability to research and analyse existing products and designers will be developed, along with sketching/drawing skills, how to best respond to a design brief, how to carry out written annotation and how to effectively evaluate designs and products. Students will have the opportunity to use traditional skills and modern digital technologies – CAD/CAM - Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing.
COURSEWORK
60% Portfolio – Demonstrating your overall learning/skills in 3D Design, including one project
40% Assignment – Externally set task, to include preparation and a timed practical exam
Students will produce a portfolio of work and will submit at least one whole unit of work and a selection of their best pieces for final assessment. Each assignment must cover the guidelines set by AQA.
EXAMINATION
There are six weeks’ preparation time followed by a ten-hour examination of sustained focused study in which students are expected to develop their own unaided work, informed by their preparatory studies. Students will carefully select and present work for assessment, ensuring in meets all four assessment objectives.
HOMEWORK
Students will be expected to continue their coursework on a weekly basis at home, as well as in school. It is important to do this to meet the essential requirements of quantity and quality of work for each assignment.
