Pupils will gain a broad understanding of the properties of materials and commercial practice in related industries. They will develop practical skills (hand drawn techniques and computer based graphical techniques) which will enable them to produce practical outcomes made from paper and boards. They will also cover units on Systems & control, Mechanisms, Timbers, Polymers, Metals 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 Papers and Boards (Graphics).

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 way that graphical design techniques are used to establish a brand identity and promotional materials leading to the creation of innovative products. It will particularly appeal to pupils who are looking for a course that is practical in nature, sparks creativity and will prepare them for further study and employment within related industries.

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

• the use of paper and boards within promotional materials and brand identity
• a range of industry software to create graphical imagery (Adobe suite)
• an understanding of physical and virtual modelling techniques
• 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 time will be divided between 50% practical project work and 50% theory.

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).