Options Booklet

Exams and Assessment Information • Undertaking a single ‘design and make’ activity, which will arise from investigating a contextual challenge set by AQA. (50% of final grade). Students should submit a prototype and a concise portfolio • A 2 hour written exam, 100 marks (50% of final grade). Students must also demonstrate mathematical and scientific knowledge and understanding, in relation to design and technology, maths and science knowledge contributes 15% What will I learn about? • How to use use your knowledge and skills to design and make new and better solutions to real problems, working with a material you choose • Designing and making using creativity and originality using a wide range of materials, processes and techniques • Design movements throughout history, famous designers and their associated iconic products • Manufacturing commercially viable products (in quantity) using appropriate industrial processes • The impact modern products have upon the environment and how we have a moral responsibility to address this • CAD/ CAM (Computer Aided Design/ Manufacture) via various software packages and the use of CNC machinery • Please note: most of the course will be taught through a subject specialism but not all aspects. The specification is split into 3 topic areas and over half of the content will be taught through a specialism but you must be aware that part of this course is to learn and be tested on all material areas (textiles, resistant materials, graphics, electronics etc.) DESIGN TECHNOLOGY How will I learn? • Developing your design and making skills through a variety of projects • Working in a range of different material areas including: woods, metals, plastics, paper, card and smart materials • Developing your own designs into commercially viable products • Gaining skills in a range of hand-drawing, rendering and modelling techniques along with training in the use of numerous design software packages • Acquiring skills in the use of hand and power tools • Analysing existing products and understanding what makes them successful or unsuccessful Where could Design Technology take me? • There is no better time to think about a career in the field of design and Britain has always produced world-class designers such as: Sir Jonathan Ive (Apple); James Dyson (Product Designer); Sir Norman Foster (Architecture); Richard Seymour & Dick Powell (Product Design) and Ian Callum (Automotive) to name but a few. • Our creativity is a key strength of our economy, and British designers are among the best in the world. Course Specification & further information • AQA GCSE Design Technology 8552 • www.aqa.org.uk/rn/askaqa.php • www.technologystudent.com Additional Costs and Entry Requirements • A voluntary financial contribution towards the cost of resources for projects • There are no specific entry requirements for Design Technology 2