Design Technology
GCSE Course Handbook
By
Mar 10, 2007 - 12:02:03 AM

Design and Technology - Resistant Materials; Electronic Products; Graphic Products

	A*	A* to A	A* to B	A* to C
2005 GCSE DT Examination Results:	27%	64%	95%	100%
2006 GCSE DT Examination Results:	18%	63%	87%	100%
2007 GCSE DT Examination Results:	31%	82%	97%	100%
Average:	38%	70%	93%	100%

DT (Resistant Materials), DT (Electronic Products) and DT (Graphic Products) are three separate GCSEs but, due to the overlap in course content and examination board policy, it is not permissible for pupils to opt for more than one.


DT (Resistant Materials) is concerned with the design and manufacture of products made from woods, metals, plastics and graphics materials.  Typical GCSE projects could be a guitar case, child?s toy, free-standing clock or CD storage system.  DT (Resistant Materials) involves a significant amount of graphics and modelling work and would suit candidates considering potential futures in areas such as architecture, civil engineering or other resistant materials related professions.  An interest/ability in subjects such as Art would be desirable.

DT (Electronic Products) is concerned with the design and manufacture of products that incorporate electronic systems, computer control and a small amount of resistant materials.  Typical GCSE projects could be electronic games, automatic temperature controlled greenhouse window system or some kind of intelligent electro-mechanical buggy. DT (Electronic Products) involves a significant amount of electronics and CAD/CAM and would suit candidates considering potential futures in areas such as electronic/mechanical engineering or computer hardware engineering.  An interest/ability in subjects such as ICT, Physics and Mathematics would be desirable.

DT (Graphic Products) is concerned with the design and manufacture of quality products that are made from paper, card, plastic and pre-manufactured components. Typical GCSE projects could be a pop-up book, DVD point of sale stand, chocolate packaging, board game and scale model kits. DT (Graphic Products) involves a significant amount of graphic techniques, CAD/CAM and modelling and would suit candidates considering potential futures in areas such as architecture, illustrator, graphics designer, advertising or stage set design. An interest/ability in subjects such as ICT and Art would be desirable.


All three courses follow directly on from the work completed in Year 9 and there is opportunity for further study in all three disciplines at A-Level.


During the first year, students will be given a minor design assignment.  They will be expected to produce a mini design folder and generate a full working prototype of their chosen solution.

Combined with this work, pupils will also study and examine a wide range of different topics including:-
-    The relationship between the client, designer and manufacturer.
-    A range of different products and what makes one successful.
-    The stages explored when designing.
-    Mass-production techniques.
-    Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM).
-    Packaging, distribution methods and marketing.

Using a wide range of graphical media, pupils will be taught the design process and how one produces a successful design folio.  They will also experience a wide range of different manufacturing processes, which they will be able to utilise when constructing their final project.

During the second year of the course the students will complete their major GCSE project, which is worth 60% of their final GCSE grade.  Students will only complete their final projects successfully if they are motivated, determined and have a high standard of organisation and self-discipline.

Resources
Pupils will be issued with the relevant Resistant Materials, Electronic Products or Graphic Products textbook.  The workshops and design areas are well equipped with computers, a CNC mill, PCB (Printed Circuit Board) manufacturing facilities, 3D scanner/modeller, computer controlled vinyl cutter, a very comprehensive selection of portable and static machines and other specialised processing equipment.  During this course students will be charged for the materials that they use (typically £10 for the minor project and £20 for major GCSE project).

C Morgan (Head of Design and Technology)