What Will I Learn?
This is a two year course in Design and Technology that will build upon skills students have learnt during the rotations at Key Stage 3. It will introduce new subject knowledge whilst building a wide range of new practical skills and techniques.
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. It allows students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques, and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth by specialising in their favourite areas of Design and Technology.
GCSE Design and Technology enables students to learn a wide variety of different skills such as; technical drawing, modelling, Computer Aided Design, 3D simulation, Computer Aided Manufacturing to develop innovative and creative design solutions to the contextual challenges set by the examination board. Students are also given the opportunity to use machinery and processes used in industry. The new GCSE empowers students to produce creative and bespoke outcomes, and encourages students to develop their own design style as budding young designers. Project outcomes can include different materials; however, they can specialise in their preferred material area for the written examination.
During Year 10 a series of practical projects are studied alongside core and specialist theory lessons to prepare students for their final Year 11 NEA and examination.
How Am I Assessed?
What Career Options Do I Have?
On completion of the course, students can take their studies further at A-Level or could complete a vocational course or apprenticeship. This course provides a clear pathway to a wide range of design, engineering and manufacturing related degrees and careers such as: graphic design, architecture, interior architecture, aeronautical design, vehicular design, industrial / product design, engineering, mechanical engineering, design engineering, manufacturing engineering, fashion marketing and merchandising, visual merchandise designers and many more.