Design and Technology
Curriculum Aims
We aim for every boy to:
- demonstrate their understanding that all design and technological activity takes place within contexts that influence the outcomes of design practice;
- develop realistic design proposals as a result of the exploration of design opportunities and users’ needs, wants and values. Using imagination, experimentation and combine ideas when designing;
- develop the skills to critique and refine their own ideas whilst designing and making. Communicate their design ideas and decisions using different media and techniques, as appropriate for different audiences at key points in their designing;
- demonstrate safe working practices in Design and Technology;
- develop a broad knowledge of materials, components and technologies and practical skills to develop high quality, imaginative and functional prototypes;
- be ambitious and open to explore and take design risks in order to stretch the development of design proposals, avoiding clichéd or stereotypical responses.
Curriculum Information
Qualifications
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems. Through studying GCSE Design and Technology, learners will be prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world; and be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.
- EDUQAS GCSE (91) in Design and Technology (QN 603/1121/6)
- This linear qualification is made up of a written exam worth 50% taken at the end of the 2year course and 1 coursework NEA carried out from June in year 10 and continuing in year 11. The NEA tasks are worth 50% of the final result in total.
Summary of skills acquired:
- Develop the skills to create realistic design proposals as a result of the exploration of design opportunities and users’ needs, wants and values. Using imagination, experimentation and combining ideas when designing.
- Develop theoretical knowledge of materials, components and technologies and practical skills to develop high quality, imaginative and functional prototypes.
- Develop safe working practices within the Design and Technology workshop.
- Develop practical manufacturing skills, such as, tools, machines and CAD/CAM skills.
Summary of Assessment
Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 50% of the qualification
- A mixture of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of: Technical principles, design and making principles.
- Along with their ability to analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.
Component 2: Design and make task
- Non-examined assessment: approximately 35 hours
- 50% of the qualification
- A sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by WJEC Eduqas, assessing candidates’ ability to:
- Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities
- Design and make prototypes
- Analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology
Where can I find more details?
Course Resources
Additional Information
Subject Guide for Parents and Carers
