Design & Technology

Course summary

Expectations of Independent Study Students are expected to carry out a minimum of 5 hours of additional study per week. As well as set tasks from the lessons, students should use this time to:  Develop freehand sketching skills  Develop CAD modelling skills on Fusion  Watch programmes on design and manufacture processes Why is it interesting? This course gives students the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills that can be catered to their own personal design interests. If you are considering a career in any product design or engineering field then you can focus your NEA project within that area. Therefore, you have the best opportunity to access further education or training in your chosen career. You will have the opportunity to investigate how products function, design and manufacture products, use your knowledge of materials, properties and processes and use Computer Aided Design. You will also develop a wide range of practical skills that include the use of CAM, electronics and programming and the use of hand tools and workshop equipment. If you are interested in a career in the field of engineering, this course would complement Maths and Physics. What skills and knowledge will I develop by studying this subject? During this course students will develop their research, design and problem solving skills, whilst learning the technical knowledge required to under-take their project work. Students will also develop transferrable skills such as planning, time management, communication, organisation, presentation and team work. Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century Students take a single examination in Product Design. The exam includes a mix of structured and extended writing questions assessing learners’ knowledge and understanding of:  Technical principles  Designing and making principles Along with their ability to analyse and evaluate wider issues in Deign and Technology. Subject content includes:  Designing and innovation  Materials and components  Processes  Industrial and commercial practice  Product analysis and systems  Human responsibility  Public interaction – marketing and research. Component 2: Design and make project Sustained design and make project, based on a brief developed by the candidate, assessing the candidates’ ability to  Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities  Design and make prototypes  Analyse and evaluate design decisions, including for prototypes made by themselves and others This course would be suitable for students who have the following skills and interests: Enjoy the process of designing and making products including the use if free hand sketching, CAD, prototyping and testing as well as manufacturing the final product. Analysing existing products in terms of their suitability, design, manufacture and sustainability in order to develop their own improved products. Developing an in-depth knowledge of materials and processes in both the product design and engineering industries. What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject? It will enable students to progress to a degree or apprenticeship in a range of disciplines in the product design or engineering sector. Engineering could include:  Structural Engineering  Mechanical Engineering  Electrical and Electronic Engineering  Automotive Engineering  Product Design  Graphic Design  Architecture  Entrepreneur