Skip to content ↓

Design Technology

All KS3 projects are planned to develop our pupils' curiosity, problem solving, communication and evaluative skills through a variety of projects. They will use a combination of independent and collaborative work to solve real world problems through the eye of a designer; keeping in mind the environmental impact of their solutions.

Year 7

An introduction to new design and manufacturing skills with a real focus on analysis and development of ideas through to accurate detail designs.

Key areas covered:

  • Innovative design and analysis
  • Understanding user needs and Inclusion
  • Utilising CAD
  • Evaluative skills

Year 8

An extension of skills learned in Year 7 to design and manufacture products using advanced techniques.

Key areas covered:

  • Sustainability
  • Working on projects within Industrial and Commercial contexts
  • Working with traditional and new materials

Year 9

This is a year which is cumulative in terms of the progression of skills from Years 7 and 8 and briefs are designed to challenge using technical knowledge obtained.

Key areas covered:

  • New and Emerging technologies
  • Mathematical modelling
  • Impact of past and contemporary designers
  • Team based design and reformulating problems

Years 10 and 11

The AQA Product Design course encourages students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials such as paper and card, plastics, textiles, ceramics, food, electronics, timber based materials, and ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Candidates will also develop a variety of techniques for working with these materials.

Pupils will learn and develop skills to extend from Key Stage 3 namely:

  • Product Analysis
  • Reflective evaluations
  • Model making
  • Biomimicry
  • Commercial manufacturing techniques using CAD & CAM.

Theory is taught and interlinked throughout Year 10 which is examined in Year 11 and represents 50% of the overall awarded mark.

Coursework consists of a single creative and practical activity submitted in Year 11 and represents 50% of the overall awarded mark.

 

Specification Code: 8552

Unit 1: Written Paper 

50% of total marks. 2 hours. 100 marks

Candidates answer all questions in three sections

Unit 2: Design and Making Practice

50% of total marks. Approx. 45 hours. 100 marks

Consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of exam board contexts.

We provide exam and NEA coursework support, copies of revision sessions, typical exam questions and answers, exemplar coursework, exam board guidance on controlled assessment and marking structures.

Cookie Policy