Design & Technology
Head of Department: Mr J DeBruin
j.debruin@harrisrainham.org.uk
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare you to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world.
What will I study?
This new qualification is modern and relevant, so if you choose to take this course you will learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices in design and manufacture. You will need to use your creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values.
How will I be assessed?
Paper One (This will account for 50% of the GCSE.)
Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks) A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding.
Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks) Several short answer questions (2–5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in depth knowledge of technical principles.
Section C – designing and making principles (50 marks), A mixture of short answer and extended response questions.
NEA – Non-exam assessment (This will account for 50% of the GCSE.) This element of the course assesses the practical application of the taught principles. You will be required to produce a substantial design and make task, where you will be assessed on how you approach and apply investigation, designing, making, analysing and evaluation techniques.
Anything else I need to know
The course provides an excellent route into A Level Product Design and other further education courses in Manufacturing, Engineering, Creative and Media. Further progression post-18 can lead to careers in architecture, engineering, electrical engineering, graphic design, textiles design, car design, furniture making and industrial design. Students contemplating any practically based career can benefit from studying Design and Technology.
