Optional subject
The Design & Technology GCSE is aimed at creative students who enjoy sketching and manufacturing models into working prototypes. Students spend Year 10 building a range of projects that replicate elements of the coursework that takes place during Year 11. Projects range from fibreglass boat building, rotating jewellery display stand, a working clock and a walnut ring. Alongside the practical elements follows theory topics covering mechanical devices, materials, emerging technologies, dismantling existing products and communication through drawing.
The coursework (Non examined assessment) is worth 50% of the qualification. Here student analyse 3 themes provided by the exam board. This is done in conjunction with an external stakeholder in the form of a questionnaire. 10 initial ideas are created in a variety of mediums from isometric, procreate, marker pen and pencil colour. 3 of these ideas progress into simple foam models that are evaluated. Finally, the student develops 1 of these models into a working prototype that is tested out in the real world. This journey is recorded as evidence in a powerpoint and is assessed against an exam board mark scheme. Students have every opportunity to reach the highest grades for their coursework relieving the pressure of the final exam.
The final exam (50%) comprises of one 2 hour paper. In section A students answer a range of short questions related to the theory content. Students study one material in depth, and go onto answer a detailed manufacturing question related to their specialist knowledge, for example, describe with sketches how a park bench would be made in a commercial factory.
Our facilities are modern and up to date. Our equipment is accessible to students and we aim to use all the machines and processes we have. Learners may use our range of classrooms both during lesson time and outside of timetabled lessons. Opportunities include use of lathes, mills, hot works areas, thermos-forming, jewellery manufacture, 3D prints, laser cutting, welding and brazing to name a few.
We aim to get students out into the realworld and we have professional links with the local museums, local jewellery suppliers and manufactures, power companies and offshore wind farm enterprises as well as a range of visiting professional speakers.
Our vision is to promote STEM related university courses and careers. We are very proud of our alumni who regularly keep in touch visiting to give guest talks. We aim to give the opportunity to explore courses and careers ranging from Architecture, Engineering, Design and Manufacture. To support this, students have the opportunity to go onto study Design & Technology at A-level. As an affiliated centre, in Year 11 students have the option to apply for the Arkwright scholarship that ultimately opens doors for future aspirations. We promote a range of related competitions including STEM racing and more recently Green power racing. We have a dedicated team of staff who are passionate about what they do, and we are here to support students achieve their very best by following their creative dreams.
Contact
Mr K Coxshall B.Eng k.coxshall@jcg.sch.je
