GCSEDESIGN
AND TECHNOLOGY
OPTIONS2018
METALS
FOOD
PREPARATION
& NUTRITION
The Pathways: Pathway 1 allows the choice of one Technology subject
Pathway 2 allows two Technology subjects to be selected BUT if you are going to choose 2 Technology
subjects you must speak to Miss Cox about the combinations allowed by the exam boards.
Advice from last year’s students…….• “Choose a subject you will really enjoy studying for three years and one that you are good at.”
• “If you have a career plan you may wish to choose the subject that will give you knowledge and skills that
will help you to prepare for this.”
• “Choose a Technology subject because it is different to all of the other subjects and you get the chance
to design and make things.in a practical environment”
This booklet contains information about your option choices in Design and Technology. You need to
read it carefully and discuss the various options with your parents.
All courses are taught over three years.
All six GCSE options are of equal demand and difficulty.
All courses are weighted at least 50% coursework
All students have the opportunity to select at least one of the six subjects on offer:
WHICH DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
GCSE WILL YOU CHOOSE?
GCSE ART & DESIGN: TEXTILES
GCSE ENGINEERING
GSCE Textiles – Do you want to be part of something BIG?The Fashion industry is worth over 30 billion pounds to the UK, employs over 7 million people and
has some of the best fashion designers in the world. This Textiles course will give you the skills to
start your journey into this fast-paced, exciting and rewarding industry.
Ever thought about being a fashion designer, a textiles designer, a buyer for a high street brand, a
pattern cutter, a fashion journalist or a stylist for famous celebrities? Then this might be the right
course for you?
GCSE ART & DESIGN TEXTILES
Follow us on Twitter! Mrs Bellerby@SwchsTextilesFurther information from Mrs Bellerby ([email protected])
Exam Board: EDEXCEL
Component 1 - Personal Portfolio: 60% of GCSE award
Component 2 - Externally set assignment: 40% of GCSE award (set by exam board)
Students are encouraged to develop their own individual style throughout the course. We hope that
students will be motivated to independently complete research, to help inspire their work and allow them
to emulate the work of real life fashion designers.
Year 9 - Foundation year – sketchbook work
Module 1 - Garment construction project - Students learn a range of construction techniques required to
make their own fashion garments. Students start the module by looking at the following techniques:
seams, darts, gathering, pleating and fastenings. Students explore each technique by researching
images, making models, taking photographs and creating their own samples of each technique. Students
record their personal exploration in the form of a sketchbook.
Module 2 - Autumn/Winter fashion trends project - Students use the skills they have learnt in Module 1 to
design and make their own skirt/trousers, taking inspiration from current Autumn/Winter fashion trends.
Students complete a mood board, analyse the work of a fashion designer, research suitable fabrics and
components, and create a range of design ideas that relate to their theme. Students then look at pattern
cutting techniques to help realise their own final design.
Module 3 - Fashion illustration project - Students will learn a range of illustration styles to help them
develop their own personal style. Students will research the work of existing fashion illustrators and
produce work in their style, using a range of different media.
Module 4 - Decay project - Students use recycled fabrics and components, combined with creative
decorative techniques to make a fashion product. Students will create developmental samples of various
stitched and printed decorative techniques.
Year 10 – Personal portfolio - Internally set coursework project = 60% of final grade
The coursework project comprises of a sketchbook, garment and portfolio pages. Students will complete
a design and make project using an internally set assignment. This year we have used the theme of
‘Structures’. Students have produced a variety of sketchbook pages of research, designs and practical
textile samples . Students have then used their inspiration, designs and development work to make a
corset or jacket inspired by their theme.
Year 11 – THERE IS NO WRITTEN EXAM ON THIS COURSE
Term 1 - Mock external assignment – This is a design and make task set by the exam board.
Students are given the opportunity to have a trial run at producing a garment in controlled conditions.
Term 2 - Final external assignment = 40% of final grade
Students are given a set brief by the exam board and are asked to design and make a fashion garment.
Students create a sketchbook featuring research, designs, development work to help produce their final
product. The final product is then made in a designated 10 hour exam period. Students are required to
work independently in controlled exam conditions.
Year 10 Textiles – Personal portfolio
Year 9 Textiles – Sketchbook work
See more work on Twitter – Mrs Bellerby@SwchsTextiles
Exam Board: Edexcel
Content and assessment overview
The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1)
in Art and Design consists of two internally assessed and
externally moderated components.
● Component 1: Personal Portfolio (internally set) -60%
● Component 2: Externally Set Assignment -40%
just sketchbook work and a 10 hour practical exam.
Three-dimensional Design OverviewThree-dimensional Design is concerned with the designing, prototyping, modelling or making of functional and aesthetic consumer products, interiors and architecture. You will engage with appropriate processes, materials and constructiontechniques, using maquettes, models and working drawings to help take initial ideas through to realisation (3D Forms).
PROJECTS
Year 9 Projects
Superhero based project
Interior Design project
Year 10 Projects
Concept Architecture
Internally set coursework project = 60% of final grade
Year 11 Project
Term 1 - Mock external assignment - This gives students the opportunity to have a trial run at working in controlled conditions.
Term 2 - Final external assignment = 40% of final grade
Students are given a set brief by the exam board and are asked to design and make a physical model in ONE of the following areas:
Architectural design● The use of the elements of three-dimensional design to develop and create building structures.● The use of a range of architectural design materials, tools and techniques such as digital and non-digital design methods, graphic and construction materials and the generation of plans, working diagrams and models with consideration of sustainability and related environmental issues.
Interior design● The use of the elements of three-dimensional design to develop and create interior environments.● The use of a range of interior design materials, tools and techniques such as digital and non-digital design methods, graphic and construction materials, three-dimensional models and surface patterns/textures.
Product Design The generation and development of three-dimensional design ideas for consumer products with considerations for ergonomics
and functionality.
Students create a sketchbook featuring research, designs, development work and preparation work to help produce their final product. The final product is then made in a designated 10 hour exam period
Further information from Mr Bennett ([email protected])
Graphic design is about problem solving,
meeting the needs of the client and
selling a product or an idea visually in a
captivating way. This subject offers a truly
diverse and exciting GCSE course which is
the main reason it is such a popular
option at GCSE. Many students continue
to study Graphics at A level and even
beyond in higher education.
Did you know that choosing to study this course at GCSE
gives you direct progression onto our A Level Product
Design course with the option to specialise through the
Graphic Design pathway?
Course Outline:
This course is based around the new Design & Technology specification which covers a range of materials
including, metals, plastic and electronics with the main focus on woods. The students will learn about the
properties of each material as well as the relevant hand and machine processes. The use of CAD
packages is encouraged and used in conjunction with CNC machines such as the CNC Router and Laser
Cutter to give students industrial experience. There is a good balance between theory and practical
lessons, which deliver a relevant curriculum that is up to date, stimulating and interesting. We aim to
produce good quality well made products which students show pride in. We encourage students to express
themselves creatively and work autonomously, actively seeking solutions to design problems using their
own ingenuity.
Year 9 This is the year where students work through a number of exciting design and make projects which enable
them to develop their practical skills and knowledge. These projects are predominantly wood based, but
also encompass small aspects from the whole range of DT subjects allowing you the exciting opportunity to
also experience working with metals, plastics, and some electronic and textile components. Every project is
based around a practical outcome that students get to take home at the end of the module! Alongside the
practical work, students also learn how to present design proposals through a range of 3 dimensional
drawing techniques and develop design proposals using computer aided design software.
One of the projects that you will complete in Year 9 is the ‘Jewellery Box’ project where you will design and
manufacture a high quality, personalised wooden storage box. Here you will be taught a range of
woodworking skills as you use a selection of woods to manufacture your own design.
Year 10 During the first term, students complete a mock coursework project, where they experience manipulating,
joining and shaping a range of materials to produce a final product. During this project students get to
experience industry manufacturing methods such as sand casting, brazing and wood and lathe work.
Year 11 In Year 11, you will choose from a range of design briefs to undertake for your GCSE coursework. The
majority of this year will taken up completing this project through experiencing the full design process from
the brief through to the design, development and manufacture of a final product(s). Once the coursework is
completed we will revise for the written exam which makes up the other 50% of your overall grade. The
exam is then taken in the summer term.
Choosing to study GCSE Resistant Materials could allow you to follow a career in:
Product Designer, Carpenter, Construction, Joiner, Jewellery Designer, Exhibition Designer,
Set Designer…
Exam Board: Edexcel
Assessment: 50% Written Exam, 50% Coursework
Further information from Mr Bungard ([email protected])
Did you know that choosing to study this course at GCSE gives you direct progression onto our A Level
Product Design course with the option to specialise through the Resistant Materials pathway?
Further information from Mr Green ([email protected])
Course Outline:
This three year course is based around the Government’s new specification for Engineering. It is heavily
focused on the theoretical side of Engineering resulting in some lessons covering Maths and Physics
equations to solve Engineering problems, Material Science, Electronics and Mechanical systems.
The course is, however, still a practical one with this side of the course revolving around the designing,
modelling and manufacture of quality products using quality materials and specialist machinery.
Pease note that due to the rigorous Maths and Physics demand in the new ‘GCSE Engineering’ course, this
course is only suitable for students in the upper sets for Maths and Science.
Year 9
In Year 9 you will complete a series of projects all based around a practical outcome that focuses on the
manipulation of metals and plastics to create products to a very high level of accuracy. Students will gain an
understanding of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems and how these relate to real life
products and situations. Students will become proficient in the use of engineering machinery including
milling machines, metal lathes and hand tools as well as being exposed to industrial processes such as
sand casting and CNC laser cutting. The use of professional CAD software will be used to develop, model
and test design ideas to produce final design outcomes. Students will study technical drawing techniques
and 3D graphical communication skills alongside other theory lessons covering a wide range of subject
knowledge, for example the properties of materials and how these can be changed through a variety of
processes including heat treatment.
Year 10
Projects in Year 10 build on the learning from Year 9 and allow you to gain a invigorating, challenging and
high quality technological and design based experience in preparation for your Year 11 coursework project.
One of the Year 10 projects will be following the design process to design and manufacture a time piece
with lighting elements. Here you will be taught more complex metal working and manipulation techniques.
Year 11
In Year 11, students will be given a design brief outline, stating a problem. Students will then have to design
and make a solution to solve the given problem. The majority of this year will taken up completing this
project through experiencing the full design process from the given brief through to the design, development
and manufacture of a final outcome. Once the coursework is completed, students will revise for the written
exam which makes up the other 40% of your overall grade. The exam is then taken in the summer term.
If you choose to study GCSE Engineering you could follow a career in:
Manufacture Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Design Engineer, Marine Engineer, Aeronautical
Engineer… the possibilities are endless!
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment: 60% Written Exam, 40% Coursework
Did you know that choosing to study this course at GCSE gives you direct progression onto our A Level
Product Design course with the option to specialise through the Engineering pathway?
Exam Board: Edexcel
Assessment: 50% Written Exam, 50% Coursework
Further information from Mr Green ([email protected])
Course Outline:
This course is based around the new Design & Technology specification which covers a range of materials
including, wood, plastic and electronics with the main focus on metals allowing students who opt for this
course to following an Engineering pathway without having to complete the rigorous maths and physics
element of the ‘GCSE Engineering‘ course. Assessment is through a 50% examination and a 50%
coursework based project. This course exposes students to a wider range of materials and practical skills
with less emphasis on Maths and Physics compared with the ‘GCSE Engineering’ course.
This course is ideal for students who are intuitive, motivated, can learn quickly and wish to follow a career in
Engineering. The course is examined through a written exam and coursework with students designing and
manufacturing a product of their own design.
Year 9
This is the year where students work through a number of design and make projects which enable them to
develop their practical skills and knowledge. These projects are predominantly Engineering based, but also
encompass small aspects from the whole range of DT subjects allowing you the exciting opportunity to also
experiencing working with woods, plastics, and some Electronic and Textile components. Every project is
based around a practical outcome that students get to take home at the end of the module! Alongside the
practical work, students also learn how to present design proposals through a range of 3 dimensional
drawing techniques and develop design proposals using computer aided design software.
One Year 9 project you will complete is the ‘Desk Tidy’. The sheet aluminium and acrylic will be accurately
marked out and cut using hand tools and the holes in the acrylic will be cut using the CNC laser. All the
aluminium rods will be machined on centre lathes, with the pen holder being drilled on the indexing head
attached to the milling machine. Internal threads will be used to assemble the project using M5 bolts.
Year 10
In Year 10 you will build upon the skills learnt in Year 9 and begin to develop more advanced Engineering
based skills through the clock project with a lighting circuit. This project will allow you to expand the skills
and knowledge you have learnt in year 9, developing you towards your GCSE coursework Task.
Year 11
In Year 11, you will choose from a range of design briefs to undertake for your GCSE coursework. The
majority of this year will be taken up completing this project through experiencing the full design process
from the brief through to the design, development and manufacture of a final product. Once the coursework
is completed, you will revise for the written exam which makes up the other 50% of your overall grade. The
exam is then taken in the summer term.
If you choose to study GCSE Design and Technology: Metals you could follow a career as:
Manufacture Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Design Engineer, Marine Engineer, Aeronautical
Engineer… the possibilities are endless!
Did you know that choosing to study this course at GCSE gives you direct progression onto our A Level
Product Design course with the option to specialise through the Engineering pathway?
Further information from Mrs Bradbury ([email protected])
Why study Food Technology?
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition would be a good choice if you have enjoyed Food
Technology at KS3 and want to enhance your skills and knowledge of food. It is a great way to
acquire life skills and learn to cook. You could choose Food simply because you enjoy it, or you
are good at it and you want to complete a qualification in the subject. It is a subject with a great
variety of content where you are given the opportunity to work both independently and as part of
a team, investigating foods, developing culinary skills and techniques, exploring elements of food
science, use of ingredients and nutrition. We actively encourage you to explore food provenance,
the diversity of foods available and their application in creating a wide variety of dishes.
What will you be learning?
During Year 9 you will be consolidating and developing your basic practical skills to enable you
add to your range of skills up to a medium and complex level. You will be studying the functions of
a range of ingredients, investigating food safety and hygiene and developing your knowledge and
understanding of the properties of a wide range of commodities. Having good time management
and personal organisational skills will really benefit you in Year 9.
In Year 10 you will be investigating nutrition in detail, spending time learning about the special
dietary requirements of different groups and looking at the consequences of diet-related health
issues. You will develop your understanding of food safety and hygiene, food provenance,
production and processing and further scientific principles involved in food preparation. Being
creative in your choice of dishes and independent practical skills as well as having excellent
personal organisation and analytical skills will enhance both your experience and attainment.
In Year 11 we begin the coursework which is divided into two separate tasks. A Food
Investigation completed in the autumn term and a Food Preparation assessment completed in the
spring term. Together these are worth 50% of the grade. Once the coursework is completed we
will revise for the written exam which makes up the other 50%. The exam is taken in the summer
term. Being responsible, resilient and resourceful will really help you in Year 11.
A Food qualification can lead to a range of career opportunities within the food industry such as:
• Food Technologist
• Dietetics
• Sports Nutrition,
• Hotel and Catering Management,
• Retailing
GCSE Food will also allow you to progress into the many careers related to food production. It will
also train you in a variety of skills from decision making, to problem solving and team work - all of
which are important life skills.
Further information from Ms Ward ([email protected])
Exam Board: AQA
Assessment: 50% Written Exam, 15% Practical Investigation, 35% Practical Exam
PRODUCT DESIGNInnovation – Creativity – Problem solving
You will learn to design and manufacture products that solve genuine, relevant problems
within different contexts whilst considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values.
Saffron Walden County High Sixth
Form, Audley End Road, Saffron
Walden, CB11 4UH
Tel: 01799 513030 Fax: 01799
513031
www.swchs.net
Assessment overview
50% Exam
50% Coursework
EXAM
All students will sit the same exam and will therefore cover the same core
theory, as outlines opposite. As the course is fully linear the exam will at the
end of the second year of study.
COURSEWORK
The coursework component will allow students the flexibility to choose an area
they wish, linking to the subjects they studied at GCSE. The main project is
assessed at the end of the second year.
Here students' will undertake a substantial design, make and evaluate project which will test their skills in designing and making a scaled physical outcome. They will be expected to build on skills acquired and develop creative products that solve a real design problem for a real client.
Possible project themes:
Architecture
Interior Design
Graphic Communication
Packaging Design
Furniture Design
Storage
Lamps
Inclusive Design
Structural Engineering
Electronic Devises
Sustainable Design
Core Design Skills
As part of the course, all students will be taught key communication and
presentation skills as well as advanced drawing techniques and learn how to
use various CAD programs.
Core Practical Skills
ALL students will have the option to attend additional skill based training on
different machinery and manufacturing techniques to ensure design ideas can
be successfully converted into high quality outcomes.
Career Options
With a qualification in Product Design you can go onto Higher Education,
Further Education or directly into an apprenticeship. Career pathways include;
research and development, manufacturing engineering, electronics, furniture
design, CAD, CGI, product design, graphic design, architecture, industrial
design and interior design, advertising and marketing, branding and website
design.
Graphic Design
Engineering
Resistant Materials
For further information contact:
Mr. D Bennett Email: [email protected]
‘I love to achieve my best and I feel that the teachers
are super supportive and are always there to help.’
Tom Porter Past student
PAST PROJECTS
‘ I chose this subject as I have an interest in design and I wanted
to also know how things are made. This course will feed directly
into my chosen degree. This course gives me massive
opportunities and it has a wealth of equipment’
Elly Roberts Past student
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