Technology & Design

Staff

Subject Coordinator    Mr. D. Patterson 

Curriculum

Technology provides the opportunity to demonstrate creative ability through graphics (both computer and hand) and through Controlled Assessment which helps to develop important skills including initiative, self-motivation, self-management and practical skills with an emphasis on producing quality outcomes.

Accommodation includes a large systems room with high quality ICT facilities, Workshop and Planning room.  

GCSE

Pupils will be entered for the GCSE in Technology and Design offered by CCEA.  

The course consists of two written examinations each worth 25% of the course, and one piece of Controlled Assessment, which will be a Design and Make Project. This will make up the remaining 50% of the course.  It is intended that the first of the written examinations (Unit 1) will be sat in May during Year 11. 

AS/A2

Pupils study the CCEA A level in Technology and Design.

At AS level, there are two 1 hour exam papers to be completed at the end of the year, with each paper being worth 20% of the A level course. The second part of the AS course is a Product development project, where pupils will select an existing object and resign the product to include improvements before constructing a working prototype of this product. The project element is worth 20% of the A Level course.

AS UNIT 1 – PRODUCT DESIGN AND SYSTEMS AND CONTROL

This unit is a study of product design including materials and their processing with an area of systems and control. Candidates must study Section A: Product Design and Practice and can choose between two specialist areas of Systems and Control in either Section B: Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems or Section C: Mechanical and Pneumatic Control Systems.

2 Separate Examination Papers (1 Hour Each with 20mins break in between the papers)

AS UNIT 2 COURSEWORK – PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Unit 2 will be internally assessed and externally moderated

The emphasis in this unit is on the analysis and development of an existing product, with a view to re-designing either the product or an aspect of it. It is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure the choice of product allows sufficient scope for development and challenge at AS Level.

Students will produce a 3-dimensional model or prototype which represents the practical outcome of the product analysis and development.

A portfolio should accompany the practical component with written and graphical information produced on not more than 10 A3 sheets. Students can present the portfolio in electronic format.

This unit draws on the knowledge and skills covered in Unit 1 and should represent approximately 45 hours of work.

Year 14

A2 Technology and Design

The A2 course is made up of two units each being worth 30% of the A Level course and therefore carry a higher weighting than the AS course.

The two unit follow a similar pattern to the AS course having an exam for unit 1 and a practical design and manufacture task for Unit 2.

A2 Unit 1 – Systems and Control

An in-depth study of Systems and Control in either Section A: Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems or Section B: Mechanical and Pneumatic Control Systems.

Examination Paper (2 Hours)

A2 Unit 2 – Coursework: Product-System, Design and Manufacture

Unit 2 will be internally assessed and externally moderated

Candidates will be required to design and manufacture a technological product or system.

They must identify a problem or need and ensure it provides sufficient scope to meet the assessment criteria. It is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that the topic chosen allows sufficient scope and intellectual challenge appropriate to an A2 course.

A technological product must have an energy source to make it function and include a control system comprising input, process and output.

A portfolio should accompany the practical component with written and graphical information produced on not more than 20 A3 pages. Students can present the portfolio in an electronic format.

This unit draws on the knowledge and skills covered in all units but must reflect the chosen option in A2 Unit 1. It represents approximately 60 hours of work.

Careers

Technology and Design helps to develop knowledge and skills which are applicable for a wide range of careers.  Technology is a suitable subject for a range of courses at University in various fields:  Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil,) Art and Design and Product Design courses.