Design and Technology
“It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works” – Steve Jobs.
Design and Technology incorporates everything around us from the products we use and the clothes we wear to the buildings we live in. They have all been produced by design and technological activities. This subject develops skills linked to a range of university courses including Architecture, Product Design and Engineering.
The AQA GCSE Design and Technology syllabus enables learners to identify, consider and solve real world problems for real clients through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with a wide breadth of media, materials and tools. As a result, learners gain greater technical and design awareness, while developing skills such as global awareness, empathy, problem solving, initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity. They also develop the research and communication skills central to the design process with emphasis on higher order design thinking skills.
AQA GSCE Design and Technology provides an ideal basis for further study, and prepares learners for their future within a rapidly changing technological society. It it the place where the theoretical knowledge gained in maths and science can be visualised, understood, realised and tested. Students will look to the past to see the role iconic designs and designers have played in society and the products we use; and look to the future at the advancements of new and emerging technologies and materials and how they will effect the future of design.
This course fosters awareness, understanding and expertise in designing & making solutions to real world problems with real world clients, creating functional outcomes that are not just based on visuals, but based on the needs, wants and constraints of the end user. Working with a range of materials and processes, you will be developing skills and knowledge applicable for today’s society.
All of this is backed up with in-depth knowledge of materials, processes and techniques related to industrial manufacture alongside developing an understanding of environmental and sustainability issues to be considered when designing.
Course Outline
AQA GCSE Design and Technology Specification
Course Overview
The course is split into 3 main content categories;
- Core technical principles which covers all materials and their working properties. It also looks at technologies, new materials, energy, systems and mechanical devices.
- Specialist technical principles requires you to study at least one material category in much greater depth. You will be required to know where materials are sourced, how they are processed and how they are shaped, formed and finished.
- Designing and making principles which looks at how design and technology activities take place within a wide range of contexts. As this also relates to the design process you will be studying, much of this will be covered or reinforced during the NEA.
Getting Prepared
What can you do to prepare for D&T?
- Practice your sketching. Practice drawing in 3D, practice drawing products that you have at home, practice drawing quickly and don't be too precious with the outcome. Most design sketching is to convey information and communicate your ideas-not to produce beautiful artwork.
- Keep an eye out for good and bad design. Found a product that is frustratingly difficult to use? Seen interesting public spaces? Used a product without checking the instructions first? Found a seat that is super comfortable? Noticed a problem that your grandparents have? Take a photo, write it down, bank it for later! Problem identification and problem solving is key on this course.
- Check out some design shows, TED Talks or content on youtube. Watch creative shows, competitions and content to see a variety of products being created, made or used. Watch some TED talks by different designers to understand the context behind design. Some of our favourites are; Abstract the Art of Design (Netflix), Dragons Den, Shark Tank, Product Designer Maker (Youtube), Making fun (Netflix), The repair shop (BBC), How it's made (youtube), 3 ways good design makes you happy (Don Norman_TED Talk), Design and destiny (Philippe Stark_TED Talk), Design is in the details (Paul Bennett_TED Talk), Eames-The Architect and the Painter (youtube).
Contacts
For any further questions, please contact:
rachel.booth@dulwich.org
Assessment
50% NEA (coursework) Substantial Design & Make Task
Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) - approx 30-35hours - 100 marks
- Practical application of Core Technical Principles
- Practical application of Specialist Technical Principles
- Practical application of Designing and Making Principles
50% Exam
Paper 1 - 2hours - 100 marks
- Core Technical Principles
- Specialist Technical Principles
- Designing and Making Principles
- 15% maths application
- 10% science application
FAQ's
Can I take D&T and Food Preparation and Nutrition?
Yes, you can take both design and technology and food preparation and nutrition. Please read the course information carefully for both as there is a lot of coursework for both subject with deadlines that are very close together. You must have the ability to manage your time and workload effectively.
Can I take D&T and Art?
Yes, you can take both design and technology and art and design. Please read the course information carefully for both as there is a lot of coursework for each subject with deadlines that are very close together. You must have the ability to manage your time and workload effectively.
What are my options after D&T GCSE?
Once you have complete GCSE design and technology you can move onto studying design and technology for IBDP. If you are to move schools, the D&T GCSE will lead well in A-Levels or career-based programs and apprenticeships.
I want to be an engineer, should I take D&T?
Yes. Design and technology covers a wide range of topics including systems and controls, electronics, motions and mechanism and materials and manufacture. This gives you good overall knowledge of a range of areas that link to many different engineering fields.
I want to be an architect, should I take D&T?
Yes. For any architecture course you apply for you will likely need maths, physics and a portfolio of design and artwork to show your creative skills. Design and technology will help you with knowledge of structures, material properties and design skills needed to further study architecture.
What other career paths would D&T help with?
Design and technology is a great start for any creative, practical or problem-solving career. Engineering and architecture are popular choices however, product design, graphic communications, material science, construction, aviation, web design, marketing, web development, computer science, purchasing, film making, prop and set design are a few of the many creative fields that are available to students who have studied design and technology.
Can I take D&T if I enjoy it, even if I don’t think I’ll pursue a career in it later?
Design and technology is a fantastic course to take if you enjoy it. Alongside the obvious design thinking and practical skills that you’ll learn there are a multitude of interpersonal, work based and global citizenship skills that go hand in hand with studying design and technology. Problem solving; creativity, communication; collaboration, resilience; research; analytical thinking; evaluation; reflectiveness; empathy; intercultural awareness; sustainability; diversity and inclusion to name just a few. All these skills are vital in the world of further study and work.