GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Design & Technology
If you enjoy designing and sketching combined with exploring potential ideas through modelling and also manufacturing products in the workshop from wood, metal and plastic and electrical components – this course could be suited to you.
What will I Learn?
A full GCSE in Design and Technology prepares students to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. You learn to think and challenge creatively whilst acquiring expertise using specialist design software, equipment, machinery and hand tools. Students are encouraged to become creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team whom develop successful verbal, visual and written communication skills. Students are encouraged to become objective and critical thinkers in order to help make independent decisions throughout the design process from initial ideas to creating 2D and 3D outcomes. To assist them in their design work at Biddenham we have three workshops and one design studio that are equipped with traditional and modern manufacturing machinery and computers with software that allow students to experience, discover and develop a degree of expertise whilst working with a wide range of materials.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no formal requirements that you should have before embarking on the Design & Technology GCSE course. However, you should be mathematically confident and interested in current product design and have a keen eye for accuracy and precision combined with an artistic creative flair and imagination. You must be someone who can problem solve effectively and who enjoys the challenge of solving complex and difficult design problems.
How will I be assessed?
The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Design and Technology consists of one externally-examined paper and one non-examined assessment component.
Component 1, Examination (50% of qualification): The written exam is divided into two sections: 40% core content and 60% material category (timber). The core content allows students to demonstrate their breadth of understanding of design and technology, whilst the material category enables students to demonstrate their specialist knowledge of one material area – timber. The paper includes calculations, short-open and open-response questions as well as extended writing questions.
Component 2, Design and Make Project (50% of qualification): Three contextual challenges will be provided by the board from which students must choose one to respond to. Students will produce a project, linked to the specialism of timber, which consists of a portfolio and a prototype. There are four parts to the assessment:
- Part 1: Investigate
- Part 2: Design
- Part 3: Make
- Part 4: Evaluate
What are the costs?
Students may need to purchase some specialised materials in year 11 and will be advised to purchase revision booklets.
Is there anything else I need to know?
There are strict health and safety controls in the workshop environment. Students are expected to have the highest regard for their own and others’ safety. Failure to comply will lead to temporary exclusion from workshop lessons.
Future Opportunities
A GCSE in Design and Technology will give you essential life skills of independence and creative, objective thinking however, your qualification in this subject can also open the doors to related design /manufacture apprenticeships, National Diplomas and A levels if you choose to gain further expertise and knowledge in the subject. Careers that can potentially develop from these GCSE’s are: product design, architecture, theatre design, Interior design, jewellery design, exhibition design, engineering and manufacture, mechanics, carpentry, building Industry, project management, electrical and electronic engineering, armed forces, computer engineering and television & broadcast.
Course contact: paul.ray@biddenham.beds.sch.uk
Examination Board: Edexcel
