Through studying GCSE Design and Technology, you will be prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world; and be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.
The course will offer you the opportunity to solve real problems by designing and making products or systems.
What will I study?
You will study Technical Principles and Designing and making principles. This will allow you to develop knowledge and understanding of design and technology, its impact on daily life, and develop a broad understanding of materials, systems and processes. Each of the above areas is further divided into core knowledge and understanding in-depth knowledge and understanding.
For core Technical Principles you will study the following topics; design and technology and our world, smart materials, electronic systems and programmable components, mechanical components and devices, materials.
In-Depth Knowledge and Understanding will focus on Fibres and Fabrics. You will learn more in detail about natural and manmade fibres and fabrics, combinations of materials, construction techniques, fittings and fastenings, decorative techniques, inspiring designers and sustainability by upcycling denim material into a new fashion or textile item.
Designing and Making Principles (NEA)
You will study these ten areas as a part of your NEA (Non-Examined Assessment) starting in June in Year 10; understanding design and technology practice, understanding user needs, writing a design brief and specifications, investigating challenges, developing ideas, investigating the work of others, using design strategies, communicating ideas, developing a prototype and making decisions.
You will also apply your knowledge and understanding in these five areas, in relation to Fibres and Textiles;
- selecting and working with materials and components
- marking out
- using tools and equipment
- using specialist techniques
- using surface treatments and finishes
What skills will I develop?
Studying Design and Technology will enable you to develop a wide range of transferable skills for further education, work and life:
- Creative and innovative thinking
- Use of imagination and experimentation
- Ability to critique and refine your own ideas
- Knowledge and understanding of all design and technological activity and influences
- Decision-making skills
- Develop high quality, imaginative and functional prototypes
- Communication skills
There is one 2 hour written examination (component 1) at GCSE worth 50% of the qualification; the remaining 50% will be a Design and Make task (NEA) (Component 2)
Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century
A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of: technical principles designing and making principles along with their ability to: analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.
Component 2: Design and Make Task
A sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by WJEC/EDUQAS, assessing candidates’ ability to: identify, investigate and outline design possibilities design and make prototypes analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.