Product Design - Design and Technology GCSE
Member of Staff Responsible: Mrs C. Knight
Examinations: GCSE Board – AQA
Unit 1: Final Written Examination – 2 hour paper (50%)
Unit 2: Coursework approx. 35 hours design and make task (50%)
Specification
Students will continue to develop their key design and making skills learnt in lower years by using a variety of materials, tools and equipment, computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture to produce more demanding quality products. The course is divided into 3 main areas and combines theoretical content with practical application:
- Core technical principles
- Specialist technical principles
- Designing and making principles
Coursework
What’s assessed? Practical application of:
- Core technical principles
- Specialist technical principles
- Designing and making principles
Students have to complete a design and make task based on contextual challenges set by the exam board each year. They are expected to:
- identify design possibilities through primary and secondary research
- generate design ideas based on a clear design brief
- develop their ideas through sketching, modelling, and experimenting.
- realise their final idea by using a variety of practical skills to produce a quality prototype.
Homework
Homework is set weekly and is used to help pupils develop their knowledge skills and understanding. Students are issued with study books which contain all the theory and help to support their learning. The format is based on, research, designing and development activities which will also be linked to their coursework. Additional Information 3D CAD software is available and free to download at home. The department also provides extra support where needed.
