KS4 Design Technology - Longdean School

Introduction

Design and Technology has changed and can no longer be taken as separate subjects such as Electronic Products or Resistant Materials. Whilst we do offer a Cambridge National in Engineering Design in place of Resistant Materials (which is very closely related and covers much of the same content and outcomes ), there is no GCSE equivalent for Electronic Product Design. Therefore we will be delivering AQA DT with a Electronic bias towards coursework. How much this bias will be, will ultimately be the pupils choice.
This new Design and Technology GCSE will have an increased proportion of Maths and scientific principles in, therefore will be ideal for those students who are confident in these subjects.

This GCSE will cover a broad range of DT principles from basic Resistant Materials to Electronics and and is a good choice for any DT student who wishes to expand their learning and develop their skills as an all round designer.
Based upon the principles of explore, create and evaluate, the GCSE aims to develop pupils creative skills in design and making. It also aims to develop students understanding of design trends and famous designers who have changed the world we live in.
This course is designed to appeal equally to boys and girls. Design work must be presented to a high standard and projects are designed to excite and motivate students.

• Students follow the AQA specification. They are required to produce a coursework project, which represents 50% of the total mark and should not exceed 35 hours’ controlled assessment work.
Evidence required for the project consists of final prototype and a course design folder and/or appropriate ICT evidence. An examination paper of 2 hours’ duration represents the final 50% of the assessment.
The exam will have a core section of general DT questions worth 20 marks, a specialist section worth 30 marks and a general designing and making section worth 50 marks which will including both short and extended questions.

Full details can be seen [here]

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