AQA
Design and Technology is a popular and successful option subject at GCSE. It prepares students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design & 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.
Pupils follow a programme of study based on the AQA specification. The course is designed to encourage candidates to be able to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. Pupils are generally enthused and challenged by the range of practical activities possible. The Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) task will be set late in fourth form (year 10) and from this point, students will devote time to the task both in and outside of lesson time. Quality coursework does require a good deal of time and dedication.
Whilst the subject clearly builds on the practical skills that have been developed in previous years, pupils should be aware that the course and final examination also require a substantial understanding of theory-related topics. 15% of examined questions will also test the pupil’s mathematical skills so secure knowledge from KS3 is beneficial.
Many Denstonians that have studied A Level Design & Technology move onto degrees and careers in product design, industrial design, architecture, engineering, interior design, automotive design and other related courses. The GCSE course is an excellent foundation for this. Whether you want to study something on the creative/technical spectrum or not, you could find the GCSE highly rewarding.
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Component 1 is assessed by a 2 hour final written examination (50% of overall course marks), sat by all pupils at the end of the fifth form.
15% of questions will be testing mathematical skills.
Component 2 is a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) and is worth 50% of the course. This will involve a single design and make activity selected from a range of tasks set by the examination board. The project must result in a three dimensional outcome.
For further details about this course please contact Miss J Plewes, Head of Design and Technology.