Course Outline
The focus of Year 8 study will be Design. Pupils will undertake a number of Design based tasks formulated to improve their understanding of the world of Design. Pupils will also undertake three design and make workshop activities.
Assessment
Each pupil will undertake three assessments, one per term. Class assessments will also be undertaken on a regular basis.
Coursework
Pupils will produce three major pieces of coursework supplemented by research-based tasks throughout Terms One, Two and Three.
Study/Homework Requirements:
Pupils will be required to undertake one homework a month. This work will take the form of written, research or design work and will generally require 30-40 minutes to complete.
Key Points To Success:
- Completion of all coursework and tasks to a high standard.
- A high level of motivation and commitment.
- A consistent effort in all aspects of the subject.
Course Outline
Exam Assessment – Principles of Technology and Design, 50% of total GCSE
- Core – Technology and Design principles.
- In depth – Focus on at least on main design material/engineer. 15% will assess mathematical skills
Controlled assessment – Iterative design challenge, 50% of total GCSE
- The interrelated nature of the processes used to identify needs and requirements.
- Creating solutions to meet those needs
- Evaluating whether the needs have been met.
Assessment
Pupils will complete the controlled assessments during class in Year 12. The written examination is sat at the end of Year 12.
Coursework
Controlled assessment is a major element of this subject, where pupils are required to design and make a project based on a theme. Pupils will be required to work independently outside of class contact time to complete their coursework to the highest possible standard. To facilitate this, the department is available for pupils from 3.25 – 4.30 pm two evenings a week.
Study/Homework Requirements:
Pupils will be required to undertake homework every week. This work will take the form of revision, practice questions, research or design work.
Key Points To Success:
Pupils must:
- Have a mature and hardworking attitude for two years.
- Make use of the department workshop and computer suite after school to complete coursework.
- Attend extended schools revision classes prior to exams for extra revision.
Course Outline
Written Examinations are 50% of the total A Level, 120 Marks
Controlled Assessment is 50% of the total A Level, 120 Marks
Content:
- Materials, performance and characteristics
- Processes and techniques, Digital Technologies
- Factors influencing the development of products
- Effects of technological developments
- Potential hazards and risk assessment
- Features of manufacturing industries
- Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment
- Current legislation, information handling, modelling
- Further processes and techniques.
Design process
- Student consults with a client to identify a problem and design context
- Student will develop a range of solutions.
- Student will be expected to design and develop prototypes
- Student will realise one potential solution
- Student is expected to analyse and evaluate design decisions, and outcomes for products made by them.
Assessment
Pupils will complete the components over the two years of the course. The written examinations is sat in June of the final year of study.
Coursework
Coursework is a major element of this subject and will be undertaken throughout the two years of study. Pupils will be required to work independently outside of class contact time to complete their coursework to the highest possible standard. To facilitate this, the department is available for the pupils from 3.25 – 4.30 pm two evenings a week.
Study/Homework Requirements:
Pupils will be required to undertake an extensive amount of work outside of class each week. This work will take the form of revision, practise questions, research, design work or practical work.
Key Points To Success:
Pupils must:
- Have a mature and hardworking attitude for two years;
- Have a high level of motivation and commitment;
- Make use of the department workshop and computer suite after school to complete coursework
- Attend extended schools revision classes prior to exams for extra revision.
