Key Stage 4
GCSE Design and Technology
Exam Board: AQA
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.
Our GCSE allows students to study core technical, 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.
The subject content has been split into three sections as follows:
• Core technical principles
In order to make effective design choices students will need a breadth of core technical knowledge and understanding that consists of:
• 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
In addition to the core technical principles, all students will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the following 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.
Each specialist technical principle should be delivered through at least one material category or system. Not all of the principles outlined above relate to every material category or system, but all are taught.
• Designing and making principles
Students should know and understand that all design and technology activities take place within a wide range of contexts. They should also understand how the prototypes they develop must satisfy wants or needs and be fit for their intended use. For example, the home, school, work or leisure. They will need to demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of designing and making principles in relation to the following areas:
• investigation, primary and secondary data
• environmental, social and economic challenge
• the work of others
• design strategies
• communication of design ideas
• prototype development
• selection of materials and components
• tolerances
• material management
• specialist tools and equipment
• specialist techniques and processes.
Key Stage 5
Design & Technology: Product Design
AQA A-level
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries.
Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
A-level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This specification requires students to cover design and technology skills and knowledge as set out below. These have been separated into:
• technical principles
• designing and making principles
Assessment is in the final year and is by two written exams contributing 50% of the marks, and a Non Exam Assessment (NEA) contributing to the rest of the total
AQA Design and Technology information
Why study this subject?
This course will encourage candidates to:
• demonstrate their design and technology skills by designing and making quality products
• analyse and evaluate products
• develop techniques through a variety of small projects
• use a range of strategies to develop ideas
• consider how past and present design and technology affects society
• recognise the moral, cultural and environmental issues surrounding design and technology today
Curriculum Maps
Construction
Engineering
