Course Description

This course has been designed to encourage students to be able to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. A detailed design portfolio is produced by the students and will show design development from the initial idea through to the realisation of a finished product.

The course allows full credit to be given to candidates who undertake innovative work and make effective use of CAD/CAM facilities (2D Design & Google SketchUp), whilst  also enabling those students with limited access to ICT to achieve.

Career Progression

Design Technology is an obvious choice for any student considering a career in Engineering.  The subject can be continued at A Level which is a pathway to an Engineering or Design degree.  It can also be used as a route onto many technical apprenticeships.

Design Technology provides other career progression opportunities in; Graphic Design, Architecture, Manufacturing, Carpentry & Joinery, Plumbing and many other practical trades.

Skills and Knowledge

Students will develop their subject knowledge extensively, deeply investigating different materials and their properties, the influence of design history on contemporary products and the impact technology has on our environment.  

A major part of this course is developing students Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) skills. This learning is centered on practical activities using our state of the art Laser Cutter.

Assessment Structure

· Coursework (50%):  A design and make activity.  If the Resistant Materials coursework option is chosen then students will have the opportunity to make a  small item of furniture to their own developed design.

· Exam (50%):  Subject knowledge on materials, manufacturing, systems & control, design styles/history and human factors of design.  There is also a design question with a pre-released theme.