Design and Technology

Exam Board: Edexcel

Exam Board Website: Pearson qualifications externallink

Design and Technology Curriculum Summary
Year 7 This section will be updated shortly.
Year 8
Year 9

 

Design and Technology: Product Design
GCSE

General Information 

Pupils will gain a broad understanding of the properties of materials and commercial practice in related industries. They will develop practical skills which will enable them to produce practical outcomes manufactured from woods, metals and polymers. They will also cover units on Systems & control, Mechanisms, Papers & Boards and Textiles. Pupils will be expected to apply technical and practical expertise to ensure that a product meets a manufacturing specification and is suitable for its intended purpose. Pupils will also develop valuable transferable skills in teamwork and communication.  This course will prepare pupils to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world.  There will be opportunities to apply their knowledge from other disciplines, including Mathematics, Science, Art and Design, Computing and the Humanities. Successful completion of this course could lead to further study of a wide range of courses at A Level, related Level 3 vocational qualifications, or an apprenticeship in a related area of employment. The pupils will build on the skills and knowledge learnt in KS3. This course is a GCSE D&T Qualification with a specialist focus on Timbers.


What will I need to succeed?

Pupils should have an enthusiasm for designing and making.  The pupils will build on their Key Stage 3 Design and Technology knowledge.  This qualification is intended for pupils who are interested in understanding the working properties of woods, metals and polymers (plastics) and who wish to use these materials in a practical way. It will particularly appeal to pupils who are looking for a course that is practical in nature and will prepare them for further study and employment within related industries.

Expected Subject Content

The course will give pupils the opportunity to develop an understanding of:

  • materials and their working properties;
  • processes and manufacture;
  • joining, components, adhesives and finishes;
  • commercial practice;
  • developing design ideas, testing and evaluating their work in order to refine their design decisions in developing products which will allow pupils to show their creative flair.

Lesson Structure

Lesson time will be divided between 50% practical project work and 50% theory.


Expected Assessment Requirements

This GCSE will have a practical unit and an externally assessed examination.

GCSE – will be weighted 50% NEA (new term for Controlled Assessment) 50% written examination paper (1-9 Grades).

Engineering

Exam Board: AQA

Exam Board Website: AQA – Assessment and Qualifications Alliance externallink

Design and Technology: Engineering
GCSE

General Information

Engineering gives pupils an excellent opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in the context of real-world engineering and by encouraging learning through studying of real engineering companies.  It offers hands-on experience of skills needed in the engineering field.  Pupils will study current and past engineering developments, relating this to real life experiences.  The course provides opportunities to develop designing and practical skills, including the use of modern technologies i.e. CADCAM (Computer Aided Design Computer Aided Manufacture) tools and equipment. The subject provides an excellent route into world of Engineering, but can also lead you into working in a wide range of other design and manufacturing careers.

What will I need to succeed?

Pupils should have an enthusiasm for designing and making. The pupils will build on their Key Stage 3 Design and Technology knowledge. This qualification is intended for pupils who are interested in understanding the working properties of materials, whilst learning how to use these materials in a practical way. The course goes onto look at the scientific and mathematical principles behind engineering, as well as developing a practical understanding of the application of electronic and mechanical principles.  It will particularly appeal to pupils who are looking for a course that is practical in nature and will prepare them for further study and employment within related industries.


To succeed in this course pupils should have:

  • an enjoyment of practical work and exploring different solutions in different contexts and materials
  • an enjoyment of exploring ideas and modelling them using ICT as well as hands on construction
  • you need to be inspired and motivated to gain an insight into related sectors, such as manufacturing
  • an enjoyment of scientific principles (physics) and learning how these are applied to real world engineering scenarios.
  • a good understanding of Mathematical principles and the ability to apply these to solve problems involving formulas and units of measurement


Expected Subject Content

Pupils will develop engineering skills by undertaking focused practical tasks.  This will involve a hands-on experience of using the tools and equipment relevant to engineering, including the use of CADCAM (Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacture).  Pupils will work in a range of materials, to manufacture items using the Brazing Hearth, Hand tools, Lathe and Milling machine.  

Pupils will also learn about:

  • Pneumatic and Mechanical Systems;
  • Engineering Materials, including calculating stress, strain and failure points;
  • Systems (Electrical, Mechanical and Pneumatic); 
  • Testing and Investigation;
  • Manufacturing processes;
  • The impact of Modern Technologies.

Lesson Structure 

Lesson time will be divided between 50% practical project work and 50% theory. 

Expected Assessment Requirements 

This GCSE will have a practical unit and an externally assessed examination. 

GCSE – will be weighted 50% NEA (new term for Controlled Assessment) 50% written examination paper (1-9 Grades).Expected Assessment Requirements 

The brief for the NEA is released on 1st June in year 10.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/engineering/gcse/engineering-8852 

KS3 Food and KS4 Food Preparation and Nutrition

Exam Board: WJEC EDUQAS

Design and Technology: Food Preparation and Nutrition
GCSE

General Information 

The food course equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding, skills and creativity they need to prepare and cook a wide range of dishes.  Students study principles of nutrition, diet and good health, food science, food provenance, and cooking and food preparation. Pupils will be able to make informed decisions about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways and develop vital life skills so they can feed themselves and others.

Pupils learn a variety of practical cooking techniques to prepare and cook food whilst gaining a proper understanding of the scientific principles behind food and nutrition. The course allows pupils to show their creative flair when modifying recipes to improve their nutritional and sensory qualities. This GCSE promotes independent thinking, decision making, planning and organisational skills. Above all, it allows pupils to create a wide selection of delicious food products in a safe and hygienic way.

Expected Subject Content

A great deal of the course will be taught through practical sessions to ensure a greater understanding of the working characteristics of different food materials. The pupils will develop knowledge and understanding of the functional properties and chemical processes as well as the nutritional content of food. Pupils will apply this knowledge in both practical and theory sessions. 

Expected Assessment Requirements

All students will require to undertake two (internally assessed and externally moderated) practical assessments and an externally assessed written examination.  


GCSE Food & Nutrition – will be weighted 50% NEA (new term for Controlled Assessment) 50% written examination paper (1-9 Grades).  NEA 1 is released in September and is a food science experiment worth 15% of the overall grade.  NEA 2 is released in November and is a 3 hour practical exam with relevant research and evaluation worth 35% of the overall exam.

What it can lead to after leaving Swanmore College?

Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Aquaculture and fishing, Horticulture, Food safety and quality, Food science, Nutritionist, Primary processing and manufacturing, Hospitality and catering, Professional Cookery, Retailing, Dietetics, Environmental health, Health and Social care, Research, Resource production, Teaching, Training, Advertising, Campaigning, Designing, Food styling, Food writing, Marketing…..  Visit tastycareers.org.uk

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