STYLE OF ASSESSMENT
Written Examination 2 hours comprising a variety of question responses from multiple choice to long answer questions (50% of the total marks).
Textiles or Product Design? – at Huish we deliver Design & Technology through several different pathways. Some students choose to study through the medium of Textiles and some through Product Design. Please indicate your preference on the application form.
Non exam assessment - Involves candidates in an extended practical application of the subject area knowledge and skills to produce a working prototype and portfolio of no more than 20 A3 sheets which is marked by the teacher then submitted to the exam board for moderation (50% of the total marks.
OVERVIEW OF COURSE
This is a new GCSE that enables candidates to develop greater depth leading on from their KS3 work. The design process and the documentation of your design thinking leading to imaginative practical work is at its heart. Students explore, design, create and evaluate prototypes to solve real world problems. They gain a broad understanding of technical, designing and making principles and there are no restrictions on materials when making prototypes.
Students will take an iterative design type approach and they will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems considering their own and others wants and values.
LEARNER REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should have an ability to think creatively and have a desire to create products that match that creativity. They need to be willing to learn new ways of approaching the way in which products can be developed including the use of ICT. Practical abilities will be developed and candidates need to be prepared to commit spare time to furthering their work and background studies.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
The course will include trips and visits to various places of interest. Previous visits have included the Jaguar, Land Rover Factory. Competition entries at the fleet Air Arm Museum and Design Museum visits in London, Bath Fashion Museum, Harry Potter Studios, and visits from local artists, designers and craftspeople.
FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER CONNECTIONS
Students who study GCSE D&T often go on to study A Level Design and Technology with the opportunity to study the subject at degree level or a whole variety of Engineering degrees. Design & Technology can also lead into careers in many areas of fashion and interior design, shoe and accessory, fashion stylist, photographer, or journalist or theatre/costume designer. The high level of practical application and design skills development also open up opportunities to go on to apprenticeships.
Useful websites:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552
