Design Technology – Wickersley Sixth Form

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

QUALIFICATION

A Level

EXAM BOARD

WJEC

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of a 5 in another creative GCSE is required.

COURSE LEADER

Mrs K Mitchell

SUBJECT TEACHERS

Mr R Bullock – Faculty Leader

WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?

A level Design and Technology provides a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products. The course is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which encourages learners to use creativity and imagination. The course covers a wide range of disciplines and can be tailored to the interests and skills of the pupils. (Engineering, Materials Technology, Construction and Graphics etc). You will learn how to visually record your work, conduct relevant research, use the work of others to help you develop your own ideas. You will also experiment with a range of materials and manufacturing processes as well as planning, modifying and reviewing your own work.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Year 1

Year 1 will incorporate skills-based mini projects which will cover the basics of a wide range of manufacturing techniques and use of materials from a variety of disciplines. You will learn how to use an iterative approach to design and learn how you can develop concepts using this type of design.

In January of year 1, you will begin your coursework project which will count towards your final grade. You will need to use the knowledge you have gained from the skills-based mini projects, inspiration from the innovation awards and your own personal interests to inform your project.

Year 2

Year 2 will be a continuation of the coursework element started in January of year 1, you will have until February to complete this. Students are required to design and make a project based on a brief developed by the candidate. The portfolio of work completed will need to include a practical outcome, research, materials testing, developments, conceptual product manufacture and evaluations.

Once the coursework element (component 2) is complete students will have time to focus on and prepare for the written exam (component 1). Whilst many elements will have been covered throughout the coursework based project we will prepare you with revision techniques, cover key exam content and technical theory including Maths and Science elements.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Your overall success on the course is measured by your ability to evidence the four Assessment Objectives, set by WJEC. These are detailed in the WJEC Specification for GCE Design and Technology. The course is split evenly, 50% coursework, 50% exam.

Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st century.
This is a three hour written exam / 100 marks. The examination includes a mix of structured and extended writing questions assessing learner knowledge and understanding of technical principles, designing and making principles and ability to analyse and evaluate wider issues in design and technology.

Component 2: Design and make – Non Exam Assessment = 100 Marks.
Students will need to produce a sustained design and make a project based on a brief developed by the candidate assessing the candidate’s ability to identify, investigate and outline design possibilities, design and make conceptual prototypes and analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes including for prototypes made by themselves and others.

WHERE CAN IT LEAD?

Design and Technology is a full A level course which can lead into a number of further and higher education Art and Design/Design and Technology, Engineering, Architectural etc based courses.

SUBJECTS