Technology & Design
Staff​
Head of Department
Mrs Lucy Donnelly
Subject Teacher
Mrs Tanya O'Donoghue
Mrs C Tripp
Technology Technician
Mr Adrian McGee
Subject Information
Technology and Design provides opportunities to undertake design and technological problems that meet human needs within a range of contexts, such as, home, school, recreation, community, business and industry. It is concerned primarily with the design and manufacture of quality products. Pupils also have opportunities to engage in various STEM initiatives such as the Arkwright Scholarships Trust (Year 12) and the SENTINUS Young Innovators Competition etc.
The department offers pupils a choice of specifications to study at G.C.S.E.
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CCAE GCSE Technology & Design: Control Systems
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Link to the specification can be found here.
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Course Description
Technology and Design provides opportunities to undertake design and technological problems that meet human needs within a range of contexts, such as, home, school, recreation, community, business and industry. It is concerned primarily with the design and manufacture of quality products.
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Through studying this specification, students have opportunities to:
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analyse existing products
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develop practical solutions to consumer needs, wants and opportunities
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design and make quality products and/or systems
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understand that designing and making reflect and influence cultures and societies
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understand that products have an impact on lifestyle
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develop their creativity and critical analysis skills
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make links between existing solutions, technological knowledge and the principles of good design
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Assessment
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The Technology and Design specification enables candidates to study designing, communicating, manufacturing and the use of energy and control. This is a modular course that has assessments in Year 11 and Year 12.
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Unit 1 is Technology and design theory. Examination lasts 1 hour 30 minute and is held at the end of Year 11. It is worth 25% of the course.
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Unit 2 is Electronic systems and control and is examined through a 1 hour 30 minute paper at the end of Year 12. It is worth 25%of the course.
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Unit 3 is the Design & manufacturing controlled assessment in which Students complete a design project comprising a design portfolio and an associated manufacturing task. This is work is undertaken in Year 12 and is worth 50% of the course.
Course Description
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Engineering is used in everything we do in our lives. It combines the fields of science and maths to solve real world problems that improve the world around us. What really distinguishes an engineer is his ability to implement ideas in a cost effective and practical approach. This ability to take a thought, or abstract idea, and translate it into reality is what separates an engineer from other fields of science and mathematics.
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Through studying this specification students:
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gain core knowledge and understanding of the engineering industry;
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begin to understand the contribution that engineering makes to society and the economy;
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develop and use a range of transferable skills, including computer aided design (CAD) and technical skills, to design and make engineered products;
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develop an awareness and understanding of environmental issues and sustainable development;
Assessment
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There are two one-hour examinations for GCSE Engineering. Together they are worth 40 percent of the final award.
The exams test students on the content of Unit 3: Engineering Technology.
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Paper 1 tests students on their knowledge of the use and impact of:
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ICT;
automation;
components;
modern materials; and
control technology.
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Paper 2 is based on pre-release materials. It tests students on their research into a product specified in these materials.
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Controlled Assessment
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Students must complete two controlled assessment units:
Unit 1: Engineering Design and Graphical Communication
Unit 2: Engineering Production.
The controlled assessment units are each worth 30 percent of the final award.
Ed Excel A-Level Design and Technology: Product Design
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Subject Information
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Technology and Design provides opportunities to undertake design and technological problems that meet human needs within a range of contexts, such as, home, school, recreation, community, business and industry. It is concerned primarily with the design and manufacture of quality products. It equips pupils with the design skills for the future, providing the ability to recognise design needs and develop an understanding of how current global issues, including integrating technology, impacts on today’s world. At A level pupils will develop the confidence to innovate and produce creative design solutions as they develop their own design brief with a client/ end user.
Assessment
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Component 1
Principles of Design and Technology, this is a written exam 2 hour 30 minute written examination paper undertaken at the end of Year 14, which is worth 50% of the final grade.
It covers topics 1-12 on Materials and their performance characterises, process and techniques, digital technologies, factors influencing the development of products, the effects of technological developments, potential hazards and risk assessments, features of manufacturing industries, design for maintenance and the cleaner environment, current legislations, information handling, modelling and forward planning and further process and techniques. The paper includes calculations, open response questions as well as extended writing questions focused on: analysis and evaluation of design decisions and outcomes, against a technical principle, as well as analysis and evaluation of wider issues in Design Technology, including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts.
Component 2
Independent Design and Make Project, pupils will create a design substantial portfolio to complement their manufactured prototype. This is undertaken in Year 14 and is worth 50% of the final grade.
Pupils will be required to: Identify a problem in conjunction with a client of their choice, develop a range of potential solutions which will include the use of computer aided design and evidence of modelling, make decision about the development of the prototype in conjunction with their client, create one potential solution through practical making activities with evidence of project management and plans for manufacture, incorporate issues related to sustainability and the impact their prototype will have on the environment, analyse and evaluate design decisions including wider social, moral, ethical and environmental decision.
Careers
Technology and Design is useful for careers in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Teaching, Product Design, Agriculture, Marketing, Production Management, Product Design, Quantity Surveying, Construction. However it is the development of skills such as planning, fine motor skills and analytical and evaluative skills that are most sought after by employers and admissions tutors alike in areas as diverse as medicine and its related fields, engineering and in the world of business and finance.
