Students who choose to study Design and Technology at Key Stage 4 will follow the AQA GCSE Design and Technology course.

In Year 9 students will focus on building skills across all disciplines using a range of different materials: timber, paper and boards, electronics, textiles and metals.

In Years 10 and 11, students will specialise and focus on specific advanced processing techniques in either Resistant Materials (timber) or Textiles.

The areas covered in the course include:

• The design process
• The role of the designer
• Shaping and joining a range of materials
• Advanced manufacturing techniques
• Design and make exercises
• Product analysis
• Computer-aided design and manufacture
• New and emerging technologies

The types of tasks that are completed are:

• Mini design and make projects
• Creating detailed sketches and design sheets to communicate ideas
• Designing and making projects from a range of materials (wood, metal, plastic, textiles)
• Gaining knowledge of materials and how they can be shaped and joined
• Modelling techniques
• Using computers to design and manufacture products such as SolidWorks and 3D printing
• Engaging in problem-solving projects that work to solve issues of the modern world in areas such as the environment and society as a whole
• Environmental and social issues around the production of textiles/timber, including the 6R's

The course is assessed through:

• Controlled Assessment - a project of approximately 50 hours duration consisting of a design and make task with an accompanying design folder worth 50% of the final grade.
• Examination - there will be a 2-hour written examination worth 50% of the final grade.

Students who study Design and Technology can go on to gain employment in occupations where designing and making are important such as Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Joinery, Craft careers, product design, graphic design and furniture design. The course also provides a pathway into manufacturing apprenticeships and A level Product Design. 

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