GCSE Design and Technology - 3D Graphics Years 10 & 11

Specification

Edexcel - The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/design-and-technology-2017.html

What will I study?

During Key Stage 4 candidates will be encouraged to acquire and apply knowledge, skills and understanding through:

• Recognising the moral, cultural and environmental issues inherent in design and technology.
• Considering how past and present design and technology affects society.
• Analysing and evaluating products and processes.
• Engaging in focused tasks to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the wider aspects of environmental considerations and design constraints.
• Engaging in strategies for developing ideas, planning and producing a product.

Course content

In year 10 students will primarily study all the areas stated above to meet the requirements of the core theory exam paper. In the June of year 10 the coursework task will commence and will be more option specific. The exam board set six Contextual Challenges to choose from. These are released on 1 June of year 10.

Options available

3D Graphics - The coursework element involves the production of a twenty page portfolio covering research, designing and making using Polymers, Boards, Sublimation and CAD such as Photoshop.

Coursework Assessment Objectives

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their design and technology capability through acquiring and applying, knowledge, skills and understanding of:

1. Materials, components, processes, techniques and industrial practice.
2. Iterative design (open minded design through discussion, modifying and exploration of concepts and possibilities.
3. Evaluating processes and products by examining the wider effects of new technologies on the environment and society.

Assessment :

Skills and qualities required for the Coursework

• Good formal drawing and sketching skills.
• The use of your imagination.
• Good design and practical skills.
• Adapt to changing ideas and client requirements.
• Ability to work both individually and as a member of a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines and put in “extra effort” at lunchtimes.
• Will need to develop ICT literacy; PowerPoint, 2D Design, Photoshop, Google Sketchup.

Examination Paper

At the end of the two years, students will sit both section A and Section B of the examination paper and in total this will make up 50% of their final grade.

• Students will be taught the core knowledge (section A) and the specialist knowledge (section B – Papers and Boards) during year 10.
• Section B of the paper will be the students’ specialist area; Papers and Boards.
• Maths questions will appear throughout the paper based on Gear Ratios, Mechanical Advantage, Velocity Ratios, Volume, Surface area, Angles and potential material wastage.

The Coursework section (NEA) will commence on the 1 June in Year 10 when the exam board release the contextual challenge options.

Where could it lead?

Due to the changes in the specification, pupils who study either course are well prepared to study A level Product Design of which there is always a high take up. This could enable Apprenticeships and University Degree courses in Product Design, Furniture Design, Industrial Design, Architecture and Mechanical Engineering.

Additional Requirements/Information

Pupils will need to have their own personal drawing equipment in order to work both at school and home e.g. set squares, compass, colouring pencils, HB, B, & H pencil, black outline pen or fine liner.