Design and Technology

Awarding Body

Edexcel (Textiles) or AQA (Timbers)

Course Level

GCSE

Qualifications worth

Grades 1-9

What is the Course?

Design and Technology

We currently offer two Design and Technology pathways, each with a different specialism.

During their course students learn about a wide variety of materials, regardless of their chosen pathway, and all elements may appear on the final written exam.

Elements taught:

· Timbers

· Textiles

· Metals

· Papers and Boards

· Polymers

· Electronics

What will I learn?

Regardless of the chosen pathway, students will learn about contemporary technologies, materials and manufacturing, and how they fit into established practices, the environment and communities around the world.

There is a strong emphasis on skill building, with lots of hands-on projects which link directly to the theory taught. We use iterative design processes which encourages our students to exercise their creativity and imagination alongside research and feedback to design products that will solve relevant problems.

Students will gain theoretical understanding of all elements above, as well as practical skills through project work during years 9 and 10, which will enable them to work independently with confidence in their coursework during the end of year 10 and into year 11.

How will I be assessed?

Both courses, regardless of exam board are assessed by both exam (50%) and coursework (50%)

When will I be assessed?

Unit 2: Controlled Assessment - between June of Year 10 and Easter of Year 11
Unit 1: Written paper- takes place during the summer exam period of year 11

Additional Information

Both of these courses are perfect if you enjoy designing and making things, or have an interest in the products and materials around you.

Choose the Timbers pathway if you like working in the workshop with woods, metals and plastics, and choose the Textiles pathway if you like working with fabrics, and combining them with other materials.

Whilst we have lots of stock materials, due to the organic nature of these courses you will be expected to contribute to the costs of materials or, where relevant, provide your own.

What will this qualification allow me to do?

This course provides an excellent route in to A Level Product Design, Engineering, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, Jewellery Design and Carpentry.

Useful links & Publications

GCSE Specification

Edexcel: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/design-and-technology-9-1-from-2017.html

AQA: https://cdn.sanity.io/files/p28bar15/green/db64d96d05315e9adcaff43690b58b17be11b5e3.pdf