Design and Technology - Year 10 Support Evening

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GCSE Design Technology?

GCSE Design and Technology is a two year course and is designed to prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Our GCSE’s allow students to study core technical topics and a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment.

What subjects do you offer at GCSE?

At present we offer:

• GCSE Design Technology; 3D Graphic Products and Resistant Materials. These courses follow the Edexcel exam board syllabus.
• GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition and follow the Eduqas exam board syllabus.

How are the courses divided up?

Our GCSE courses work on a basis of a 1 hour 45 minute exam and the submission of a substantial portfolio of work covering design and make tasks. These are divided equally; 50% exam and 50% NEA Coursework.

What do you study in 3D Graphic Products?

You will study a range of core and specialism theory in the first year covering new and emerging technologies, energy, smart and composite materials, mechanical devices, electronic systems, papers and boards, metals, polymers, textiles, timbers, professional designers and companies and design strategies. You will also gain practical skills in design, sketching, use of digital media, CAD/CAM, materials and manufacture in mainly manmade boards, cards and plastics. For the NEA coursework element you will produce one design and make portfolio.

What do you study in Resistant Materials?

You will study a range of core and specialism theory in the first year covering new and emerging technologies, energy, smart and composite materials, mechanical devices, electronic systems, papers and boards, metals, polymers, textiles, timbers, professional designers and companies and design strategies. You will also gain practical skills in design, sketching, use of digital media, CAD/CAM, materials and manufacture in mainly timbers, metals and plastics. For the NEA coursework element you will produce one design and make portfolio.

What do you study in Food Preparation and Nutrition?

You will study a range of theory topics covering nutrition and health, food science, preparation and safety, food choice and provenance. You will also gain practical skills in ingredient selection and combinations, processes, techniques and equipment use. For the NEA coursework element of this course there are two assignments; Food investigation and Food preparation assessment.

Are there any key requirements for the GCSE course?

From a resource perspective each student needs to invest in a 4GB or ideally 8GB USB Memory stick to save their work to as a back up copy in case of any corrupt files during the two years. Students would be wise to invest in a text book for their course if possible as this will be a valuable resource to be used at home for homework and revision purposes.