Students will research, analyse and generate design ideas and models considering customer needs, mindful of themes, fashions and trends. Environmental concerns will be considered, alongside the use of smart materials and new emerging technologies. Students will gain experience in identifying and solving a range of issues, developing skills as well as demonstrating knowledge and understanding in Health & Safety. This will be evident through their design ideas and practical application. Students will have an opportunity to develop CAD / CAM skills using 2 D Design, Laser Cutter and 3 D printers. Students will learn to investigate and evaluate products already on the market and how to modify and develop with sound reasoning. This prepares students for GCSE in Design and Technology with fundamental understanding of the contribution Design and Technology makes to our modern world.
Key Stage 3 Overview
| All Pathways follow same programme | |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | Motionsm and mechanism, Programming, Electronics lighting project |
| Year 8 | Designer study, Timber knowledge, Electronics, Smart and textiles |
| Year 9 | Modelling and CAD, Mechanism and designing, Metal knowledge |
Students learning will be assessed by:
- Exploring ideas
- Making and prototypes
- Evaluating skills
- Knowledge in the form of a test
GCSE Design Technology in Years 10 & 11
Course Leader: Mr Ellis
Contact Email: cellis@tgschool.net
Examination Board: AQA
Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% examination
Why should I study this subject at Key Stage 4?
The aim is to provide students the capacity to increase knowledge and understanding of how technology has and continues to affect us! This results in students having an astute awareness of the potential opportunities Design & Technology can offer.
Remembering… ‘Awareness is Key!’
Thinking…. ‘What ‘subject’ or ‘career’ hasn’t and more importantly isn’t affected by technology!’
By studying design and technology, you’ll be able to build up your creativity, problem solving, planning, computer designing, evaluation skills and gain an awareness of new technologies. Multiple projects are done which have different disciplines which can lead to many careers.
Skills developed
The AQA GCSE Design and Technology explores the iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating.
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.
The GCSE 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.
This course is best suited to students wishing to develop strong theoretical knowledge of design principles and technical knowledge of materials, usually in preparation for A Level Product Design.
Studying Design Technology at Sixth Form
Students can continue studying product design as an A Level here at Thomas Gainsborough School.
