Design & Technology

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Design & Technology

Design and Technology offers the opportunity to gain personal satisfaction and a positive experience from working with a variety of materials. Practical problem-solving aims to encourage independent learning, creativity and innovation.

Examination Board Edexcel

Specification Number 9DT0

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Design & Technology

Design and Technology offers the opportunity to gain personal satisfaction and a positive experience from working with a variety of materials. Practical problem-solving aims to encourage independent learning, creativity and innovation.

Examination Board Edexcel

Specification Number 9DT0

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Wood Green Academy is one of Sandwell’s longest-established and highest-achieving Sixth Form Centres. 

Course Overview

Design and Technology offers the opportunity to gain personal satisfaction and a positive experience from working with a variety of materials. Practical problem-solving aims to encourage independent learning, creativity and innovation. The course is designed to encourage students to take a broad view of technology and design; to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacturing and marketing.

 

3D Design is intended to reflect the wide-ranging activities of professional designers.

 

Graphics is an integral part of the course, requiring students to communicate their thinking clearly and represent their ideas graphically.

 

Assessment Content
Topic 1Materials
Topic 2Performance characteristics of materials
Topic 3Processes and techniques
Topic 4Digital technologies
Topic 5Factors influencing the development of products
Topic 6Effects of technological developments
Topic 7Potential hazards and risk assessment
Topic 8Features of manufacturing industries
Topic 9Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment
Topic 10Current legislation
Topic 11Information handling, modelling and forward planning
Topic 12Further processes and techniques
Course Leader of Design & Technology

Mrs Eccleston

Entry Requirements

Sixth Form Entry Criteria: 

A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature. 

 
Special Entry Requirements:
  • GCSE Design & Technology 5+

Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.

Design & Technology 5

Assessment Information

Assessment Content Marks Value
Practical ApplicationSubstantial design and make tasks120 marks50%
Examination PaperTopics 1 – 12120 marks50%

Non-exam Assessment (formerly controlled assessment)

What’s assessed? Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge.

How it’s assessed

  • Substantial design and make task
  • 45 hours
  • 50% of the qualification
  • 120 marks

Evidence

Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype

 

Examination Paper

  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • 50% of the qualification
  • 120 marks

 

Content overview

Topic 1: Materials 

Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials

Topic 3: Processes and techniques

Topic 4: Digital technologies 

Topic 5: Factors influencing the development of products   

Topic 6: Effects of technological developments

Topic 7: Potential hazards and risk assessment

Topic 8: Features of manufacturing industries

Topic 9: Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment

Topic 10: Current legislation   

Topic 11: Information handling, Modelling and forward planning 

Topic 12: Further processes and techniques.

 

The paper includes calculations, short-open and open-response questions, as well as extended-writing questions focused on: Analysis and evaluation of design decisions and outcomes, against a technical principle, for prototypes made by others. Analysis and evaluation of wider issues in design technology, including social, moral, ethical and environmental impacts. Students must answer all questions.

Progression Route

Successful completion of this course qualifies students to progress at Degree Level. Degree courses are available in a wide range of subjects, including Product Design, Graphics, Jewellery, Theatre Design, Costume/Textiles, Architecture, Ceramics, Glass, Furniture, Automobile and Aviation. Post – Graduate Degree options could also include Masters Degrees or Teacher Training.

How do I prepare? 

Recommended Reads
Advanced Design & TechnologyLongman
The Sustainability HandbookPractical Action
Genius of DesignPenny Sparks
Useful Websites
DATAExplore Website
How Stuff WorksExplore Website
New DesignersExplore Website
The Black Inventors OnlineExplore Website
Design WeekExplore Website
Download Wider Reading List for Design & Technology

    Course Leader of Design & Technology

    Mrs Eccleston

    Claire.eccleston@woodgreenacademy.co.uk

    Wood Green Academy is an 11-19 over-subscribed National Support School specialising in Sport, Maths and Computing.

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