Design Technology

What levels are on offer?

You can choose to take Design Technology at either Standard level, or at Higher level.

How do I decide which to choose?

Because there is the core content, both levels give a good grounding in design principles, the roles of a designer, materials and processes, etc. We live in a "designed" world; in and around environments and products that exist because they have been designed and made. Having an understanding of how and why this world has been designed can benefit everyone.

What will I need?

You will need a C at GCSE in any two core subjects (English, Maths or Science). You do not need a GCSE in a Design and Technology course for Standard Level, but it would be an advantage. For Higher Level , a grade B at least is needed from a GCSE D&T course.

What will I study?

At Standard level the course will cover the 7 core topics:

Design Process
Product Innovation
Green Design
Materials
Product Development
Product Design
Evaluation

The Higher Level students study the additional topics of:

Energy
Structures
Mechanical Design
Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
Sustainable Development

Students must also study another unit. This may vary from year to year and they may be able to "opt" for a unit. At present we are currently offering:

CAD/CAM
Human Factors Design

Students will receive the required amount of time (55 hours SL and 81 hours HL) on practical based activities to include the design project (31 hours HL, 19 SL).

How will I be assessed?

Internal Assessment is 36% of the course, based on practical work.

It consists of practical investigations, the group 4 project and the design project to be assessed against the eight assessment criteria for both HL and SL.

You will be assessed at least twice on each criterion; the two marks are added together.

External Assessment consists of three written papers taken at the end of the course.