GRAEME SAGAR

Yr 9 Options

GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The course is about Designing and Making quality items to solve real problems. There is opportunity to explore a whole range of possibilities such as Engineering, Electronics, Silverwork, Wood, Computer Control, Design and much more. Imagination, innovation, visual communication and practical skill are all attributes encouraged, as outlined in the new National Curriculum Orders for Design and Technology.

Pupils become involved in a variety of experiences including, general workshop and machine work, computer control, computer aided design, and industrial processes, which culminates with the Southern Examination Group’s GCSE Design & Technology examination. This consists of two written papers and a major practical project.

Written papers (40%) Designing & Making Coursework (60%)

Most of the course is devoted to the major project and students are encouraged to involve themselves with pursuits in which they feel most comfortable and which they can enjoy. The choice of project depends entirely upon the student’s experience and capability, with approximately one third of the available time being spent on designing and the other two thirds spent in the workshop.

To help with the work in this course we are involved with TEP (Technology Enhancement Programme) which gives access to a good deal of extra technology resources. WOSSET (Woodbridge School Science, Engineering and Technology Society) through which projects can be entered for competitions etc. The Young Engineer’s Club which operates on Tuesday evenings, and which is manned by professional engineers, offering further opportunity for involvement in electronically biased activities. Students are also encouraged to use computers to assist in most areas of their work; including the Internet for research purposes. Also available is the Arkwright Scholarship scheme where successful candidates could win grants for further education funding. We are also coordinating a European schools project ‘Create’ involving the development of robotic sculptures to be operated remotely through the internet. It should be noted that over the recent years this area of the curriculum has changed dramatically and is highly valued by higher education and employers alike, particularly in career areas which are biased towards Technology, Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, etc.

Further information can be found on the Design & Technology WEB site at:-

www.destech.org.uk

G. P. Sagar

Head of Design & Technology