Key Stage 4
Students choose to study this subject at Key Stage 4 because they…
- Enjoy being creative
- are an independent learner
- can identify and solve problems
- can communicate thoughts clearly
- can present your ideas accurately
- are interested in how things are made and how they work
What will students study?
In Years 10 and 11 students will study:
- Persentation of original work on A3 paper
- How materials work and their uses
- Products, their design and manufacturing processes
- Practical skills
- Problem solving skills
- Designers and different design movements
Course structure
In Year 10 students will complete a number of short projects focusing on skills all leading to a practical outcome. The projects will be Wooden Photo Album, Exotic Salad Servers and Pewter Jewellery and Packaging.
- As Product Design has no limitations on material students will work with a wide range of materials
- For each topic students will have to experiment, research, design, make and explain
- Students will need to work in your their time because deadlines MUST be met and all work will have to be effectively presented
- Students will be encouraged to use Information and Communication Technology where appropriate
In Year 11 the project will be focusing on recycling materials.
Homework
- AQA –student books to be completed
- A3 folderwork to support project work
Assessment
Pupils will be following the AQA GCSE full course in Design and Technology – Product Design.
In Year 10 students are graded according to the AQA assessment criteria for 3 main projects and sit a mock examination. The course content will be National Curriculum based and will involve coursework (60%) and a final examination (40%).
Support Information
If you have any questions please speak to Ms McKettrick (Head of Department), Mr Hillier, Ms Mann (Technician) or Year 10 students for a student perspective. Please also see the following websites:
- www.firsthanddesign.co.uk
- www.mdx.ac.uk/pde
- www.aqa.org.uk
- www.productiondesigforums.com
- www.lboro.ac.uk
- www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/gp-ms/AQA-35445-W-QP-JUN05.PDF
