AQA
Many Denstonians move onto degrees and careers in product design, industrial design, architecture, engineering, interior design, automotive design and other related courses. We hope to give all our students an insight into the different areas of design. The subject may be pursued at exam level because of a pupil’s interest and enjoyment of the subject or in many cases because they have a desire to enter the world of design or an associated career.
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Students acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on other subjects such as Mathematics, Science, ICT and Art. They learn to become resourceful, innovative and capable citizens.
What is the structure of the course?
Paper 1
Technical Principles
30%
2h 30
120 marks
Mixture of short and extended questions
Paper 2
Designing & Making Principles
20%
1h 30
80 marks
Section A – Product Analysis Questions (30 marks)
Section B – Commercial Manufacture (50 marks)
Non Examination Assessment (NEA)
50%
45 hours (100 marks)
Single substantial design and make task, written or electronic portfolio (45-50 pages)
Split into 5 sections:
A Identification & investigating design possibilities (20 marks)
B Producing a design brief and specification (10 marks)
C Development of design proposals (25 marks)
D Development of design prototypes (25 marks)
E Analysis & Evaluation (20 marks)
Maths Questions in a D&T context will make up 15% of the total examination marks
What are the course requirements?
Students will normally have studied Design & Technology to GCSE level and they are required to have achieved at least a grade 6 in this subject (grade 7 or above recommended). Students will need to be self-motivated and prepared to carry out research and design work outside of school. The course is demanding on students’ time and will require commitment. Candidates are expected to spend a proportion of their study periods on project work and to attend additional sessions when appropriate.