GCSE Technology

GCSE Technology builds on the experiences and skills gained during Year 8 -10, and links well with the design work carried out during Year 10. The subject offers students of both sexes a valuable, interesting and worthwhile experience. This specification provides an innovative and imaginative qualification, rewarding flair in design. It encourages students to recognise the contribution they can make to the environment through careful consideration and selection of sustainable resources.

 

Candidates will develop as effective and independent learners. They will actively be involved in making decisions, consider sustainability and combine skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make quality products. Technology calls for candidates to become creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team.

 

Below are the overviews of the two GCSE options:

Technology

Course content

Written Exam (Units 1 & 2) – 50%

Principles of Design and Technology

Understanding of principles and theory across the subject:

 

Non-Exam Assessment (Unit 3) – 50%

This component offers the opportunity for learners to demonstrate understanding of and skills in iterative designing:

 

Assessment

The Scheme of Assessment consists of one piece of non-exam assessment (50%) and one terminal examination paper (50%).

 

The non-exam assessment will be based on the contextual challenges which the exam board (CCEA) will release each year. The manufactured model or product will be accompanied by a portfolio which will include both written and graphical material detailing the design and development of the product.

 

The examination paper will test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding as applied in design contexts.

 

 

Careers & further study

Designing activity has an important contribution to make to candidate’s general education, as part of preparation for living and working in a modern technological society.

 

A study of Technology and Design will be of benefit to candidates in many future careers.  However, most students who are thinking of a career in engineering or product design will find this subject to be an excellent beginning.

 

Design and Technology: Product Design; is offered for study at Advanced Level – AS Level in Year 13 and A2 Level in Year 14.

 

Teaching methods

GCSE Technology is taught using a varied range of teaching methods: independent learning; group work; one to one; class work and practical work. We also make extensive use of video, DVD and the school’s computer network. Students will use ICT to help with their work, including 3D Computer Aided Design and simulation software as well as the Internet for research.

 

Manufacturing

Course content

Unit 1: Written Exam (50%)

Students learn about: materials, components and their constraints; new technology used in and by the manufacturing industries; the impact of modern technologies; manufactured products; manufacturing industries.

 

Unit 2: Non-Examined Assessment  (50%)

Students will undertake a project based on a contextual challenge released by edexcel each year. Students gain an understanding of how the manufacturing and engineering industries brings a product to the marketplace. Students produce a product design specification and develop their work to create a final design in the form of a portfolio. Students will then have to manufacture the product to high degree of accuracy, finally, students will test and evaluate the product.

 

Assessment

The scheme of assessment consists of one portfolio and one piece of practical (Units2 – 50%) and one written exam. (50%).

 

Exam (1 hour 45 minutes)

Students are tested on their knowledge and understanding of products, tools and equipment associated with the manufacturing industry.

 

Careers and further study

An understanding of design and manufacturing activity has an important contribution to make to candidate’s general education, as part of preparation for living and working in a modern technological society.

 

A study of Manufacturing will be of benefit to candidates in many future careers.  However, most students who are thinking of a career in engineering or product design will find this subject to be an excellent beginning.

 

This specification may help students progress to A Level in Technology and Design and/or a BTEC National in Manufacturing/Engineering. Other progression routes may include employment opportunities; a modern apprenticeship or further education courses in manufacturing or engineering.

 

Teaching methods

GCSE Manufacturing is taught using a varied range of teaching methods:  independent learning; group work; one-to-one; class work and practical work.  We also make extensive use of video, DVD and the school’s computer network. Students will use ICT to help with their work, including 3D Computer Aided Design and simulation software as well as the Internet for research.