Design Technology (Product Design)
GCSE
What will I study?
The results of the product designers work will be ridden in, sat upon, looked at, talked into, activated, operated, or in some way used by people individually or on mass. The work of the designer therefore affects every part of our lives. Products like furniture, storage, and sports equipment are but a few, all of which are the product of design.
This course is about designing and making these products and many more in the main material of wood, although metals plastics, textiles and graphic media are also considered. It looks at how professional designing is done and how products are made in large numbers ready to be sold in shops.
In Year 10 you will be developing your designing and making skills. You will be set a number of practical projects and taught how to make them carefully and accurately so that they not only function well but also look good. Your designing and sketching skills will also be developed as you are taught principles of 3D drawing.
In Year 11 you will design and make a project chosen from a range set by the exam board which counts for 50% of the final grade, e.g. cabinets, jewellery boxes, stools, lighting, pet houses, DVD storage, toys etc.
How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed in two parts:-
- A coursework project made in Y11 - 50%
- An exam sat at the end of the course - 50%
Full details of the specification (Design and Technology) can be viewed on the AQA website
Teaching and learning approaches
A practical approach is taken through out the course with students developing ‘hands on’ skills with a wide range of tooling and equipment.
You will learn about the characteristics of a range of different materials and how they are worked, both in schools and in industry for mass production of products.
Independent Learning
Students will be given one half hour written home work task each week during Y10. In Y11 home work is related to their coursework project and is expected to take a similar time allocation.
The Future
A successful qualification in Design and Technology will prepare you to move onto the DT A level course plus higher qualifications, leading to careers in the designing and engineering fields. Alternatively it can help prepare you to take up a practical apprenticeship in a trade.
Further information
Speak to Mr. Scott or your current DT teacher.
