Design and Technology

Design and Technology

Exam board: Edexcel
Course code:
1DT0

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/design-and-technology-2017.html

For further information, please contact Mrs R McDonnell: [email protected]

 

The course has two key components: the underlying technical principles, and designing & manufacturing.  Both the non-examined assessment (coursework) and exam will involve strong links to mathematics and science.

In Year 9 students develop a core knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and processes.  During Year 10 students develop their designing skills through the principles of iterative design, and further develop their manufacturing capabilities including CAD/CAM.  Students investigate the wider implications of technology and its impact on the environment and society.  Students will explore ways in which aesthetics, technical, economic, environmental, ethical, and social dimensions interact to shape designing and making.  At the end of Year 10 students start a design challenge set by Edexcel. This design and manufacturing task will make up the coursework element and is completed in Year 11.

As a subject Design and Technology is also about developing the soft skills that employers value such as team work, verbal and written communication, time management, perseverance and problem solving.  Additionally it allows students to link other subjects together, such as Maths, Physics and Geography.

Design and Technology is likely to appeal to students who are interested in careers in any branch of design such as Product Design, Set Design, Model Making, Interior Design, Advertising, Graphic Design, Architecture, Engineering, and also to those students who enjoy the opportunity to be creative, solve problems, or relish working with their hands as much as their minds.  They are likely to be inquisitive, practical, and imaginative.

Course Assessment

How it is assessed:  The final grade is assessed using 50% Non-exam Assessment (NEA) (approximately 40 hours) and the written examination is 1 hour 45 minutes long and is worth 50%.

The examination will test students’ knowledge and understanding of both the core and a specialist material area; 15% of the exam will be mathematics based.

Higher Education and Careers

Students who study these courses will be able to move forward into higher education or training (for example apprenticeships) in areas such as product design, graphic design, architecture and engineering.