Design and Technology
The emphasis of this course is on developing your own ideas through investigative research as well as designing and making. You should expect to spend at least 60% of your lesson time involved in practical activities. A portfolio of product development is maintained by you, to demonstrate your design work for the real world, analytical skills, evaluations and processes. You will also gain a broad knowledge of theory which includes new and emerging technology, materials and their properties and the impact of design on the environment.
You can only choose Design and Technology OR Engineering — you cannot do both.
What the course involves
Practical sessions will include:
- Demonstrating knowledge of woods, metals, plastics, paper and card.
- Making products that show creativity and originality, using a range of materials such as woods, metals, plastics, paper and card.
- The opportunity to use the machinery in the workshop; lathe, laser cutter and 3D printer.
- Design and make activities in wood metal and plastic, such as small scale storage, interactive games products for an intended target market.
- Making a product of your choice which could include furniture, storage or lighting to name a few examples.
- Testing and evaluating your product, for a specific client who you will work with throughout.
Gained skills:
- To select and use tools/equipment and processes to produce quality products.
- To consider solutions to problems in the design and manufacture process.
- To use tools and equipment safely.
- To work accurately and efficiently in terms of time, materials and components.
- To manufacture products applying quality control procedures.
- To learn about and use Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM).
- Through testing, modification and evaluation, check that the quality of the products are suitable for intended users and make changes where necessary that would improve the product.
- Working as part of a team when designing and making products.
Assessment
50% portfolio work and 50% written exam.
Requirements
We will provide you with a revision guide and no equipment is needed.
Where can it lead?
Career opportunities
Design and Technology leads to careers in Architecture, furniture making, product design or carpentry, among other design-based jobs. It can be a basis for building skills related courses, construction, product design and engineering.
Post-16 opportunities
Design and Technology can lead to a course in product design or engineering at Post-16 at a higher level.