Design Technology - Resistant Materials

Duration of course: 2 years

Course type: GCSE 

Examination Board: AQA

Overview:

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.  All students will study all material levels at a core level of knowledge.  Students will focus two material areas in more depth (specialist technical principals).  Learning is directly linked to core Mathematics and Science Principals

Assessment Method and Component Percentages:

Paper 1

• Written exam: 2 hours
• 50% of final mark

Questions

Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks) A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding.

Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks) Several short answer questions (2–5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in depth knowledge of technical principles.

Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks) A mixture of short answer and extended response questions.

Non-exam assessment (NEA): 30–35 hours approx.

• 100 marks
• 50% of final mark

Task(s)

• Substantial design and make task;

Assessing: Investigation; Designing; Making; Analysing and Evaluating.

What will I learn?

The following units will be covered: 

• Core technical principles; New and emerging technologies; Energy generation and storage; Developments in new materials; Systems approach to designing; Mechanical devices; Materials and their working properties; Specialist technical principles; Selection of materials or components; Forces and stresses; Ecological and social footprint; Sources and origins; Using and working with materials; Stock forms, types and sizes; Scales of production; Specialist techniques and processes; Surface treatments and finishes
• Through the NEA students will cover: Designing and making principles; Investigation, primary and secondary data; Environmental, social and economic challenge; The work of others; Design strategies; Communication of design ideas; Selection of materials and components; Prototype development; Tolerances; Material management; Specialist tools and equipment; Specialist techniques and processes

How will I learn?

You will learn using a variety of methods including:

• Primary and Secondary sources; Practical experimentation; Graphical techniques; Computer Aided Design & Manufacture (CAD/CAM); Research methods; Analysis of existing products and the work of others.

Departmental Expectations:

• To support a climate of learning where all students can express their opinions and creativity without fear of prejudice or bullying and respect the rights of others.

Career Potential:

Product Design, Fashion, Architecture, Engineering, Textile design.

Future Progression routes possible:

A Level Product Design and A Level Fashion and Textiles

Entry requirements:

One of the top 60 students in the DT rank order.
And one of top 150 students in the rank order for Maths.

Contact person: Mrs J. Ribbins   Maximum number of classes we can offer: 1.  Maximum cohort: 20