Design & Technology

Key Stage 3 overview

In years 7, 8 and 9, pupils follow a Design and Technology curriculum that provides them with the key skills and problem solving experience needed for success at GCSE.

Topics studied include:

2D drawing techniques
3D drawing techniques (oblique, isometric and perspective)
Safe working practices
2D Computer Aided Design Drawing
3D Computer Aided Design Drawing
Drawing with tone and texture
Modelling in paper and card
Working with wood to make 3D products
Working with metals to make 3D products
Working with plastics to make 3D products
Electronic circuits and their use in products
Knowledge of materials, their properties and how they are made into product

The Design and Technology rooms are open most lunchtimes for pupils to seek help with project work or to make use of department computers and software. Various national competitions are run each year such as Greenpower, First Lego League and Race for the Line for pupils to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) challenges.

Key Stage 4 overview

There are two options available for key Stage 4 in Design and Technology, these are; Edexcel BTEC Technical Award Engineering and Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Design and Technology (Graphics).

1. Edexcel BTEC Technical Award Engineering

Pupils on this course follow a 2 year curriculum which is designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their full potential in the Technical Award Engineering and be able to progress to a relevant college course such as BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering.

During the course, pupils will complete coursework assignments which count towards 60 percent of their final mark, and at the end of key stage 4, pupils will set an examination.

CLICK HERE for a copy of the specification (download from the Edexcel website).

Engineering intervention is held for Y11 pupils on a Tuesday night from 3:30pm until 4.30 pm. Pupils can also attend drop in sessions in the DT rooms at lunchtimes.

Qualification assessment overview

All pupils sit assessment at the completion of each unit of work as well at regular points each term. These are used to track progress and tailor any necessary intervention for pupils. Pre public exams are held in the Autumn and Spring terms of year 11.

The Technical Award in Engineering has three assessment components:

Exploring Engineers Sectors (coursework 30%)
Investigating an engineering product (coursework 30%)
Synoptic paper (40%) external examination which takes place in May/June of Y11

2. Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Design and Technology (Graphics)

Pupils on this course follow a 2 year curriculum which is designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their full potential in the GCSE and be able to progress to a relevant college course such as A’level Product Design or BTEC Extended Diploma in Graphics.

From June in Year 10, pupils will complete a coursework assignment which count towards 50 percent of their final mark, and at the end of key stage 4, pupils will set an examination.

CLICK HERE for a copy of the specification (download from the Edexcel website).

Graphics intervention is held for Y11 pupils on a Thursday night from 3:30pm until 4.30 pm. Pupils can also attend drop in sessions in the DT rooms at lunchtimes.

Qualification assessment overview

The GCSE has two assessment components:

Non Examination Assessment (50%) – A design and make project consisting of a folder of 30 x A3 sheets of drawings, models and a final prototype which responds to a context set by EDEXCEL in June of year 10.
Synoptic paper (50%) – A 1hr 45 minute examination which has two parts:
- Core- covering woods, metals, plastics, composites, smart materials, structures, mechanisms and electronics.
- Papers and boards- covering materials and manufacturing processes that are specific to graphics.