Technology
Exam Board |
AQA |
Assessed by |
Written examination Non-examination assessment |
Overview
Our course follows the AQA specification and should encourage students to:
- Demonstrate their understanding that all design and technological activity takes place within contexts that influence the outcomes of design practice
- Develop realistic design proposals as a result of the exploration of design opportunities and users’ needs, wants and values
- Use imagination, experimentation and combine ideas when designing
- Develop the skills to critique and refine their own ideas whilst designing and making
- Communicate their design ideas and decisions using different media and techniques, as appropriate for different audiences at key points in their designing
- Develop decision making skills, including the planning and organisation of time and resources when managing their own project work
- Develop a broad knowledge of materials, components and technologies and practical skills to develop high quality, imaginative and functional prototypes
- Be ambitious and open to explore and take design risks in order to stretch the development of design proposals, avoiding clicheÌd or stereotypical responses
- Consider the costs, commercial viability and marketing of products
- Demonstrate safe working practices in design and technology
- Use key design and technology terminology including those related to: designing, innovation and communication; materials and technologies; making, manufacture and production; critiquing, values and ethics.
Assessment of Design and Technology
Paper 1 – 2 hour written examination, accounting for 50% of the GCSE, assessing:
- Core technical principles
- Specialist technical principles
- Designing and making principles
Non – Examination Assessment - accounting for 50% of the GCSE
This involves Students producing a prototype and a portfolio of evidence in their selected specialist area. Students may choose from: Electronic Products, Graphic Products, Resistant Materials or Textiles Technology. 30-35 hours are allocated to the assessment accounting for 50% total marks