Number of Sessions Per: 5 x 1 hour sessions per fortnight
Homework: Once per week.
At GCSE, pupils can choose from GCSE’s in Food Preparation and Nutrition and Design and Technology. Design and Technology is split in a focus on Timbers and a focus on Textiles. In addition we offer a BTEC in Health and Social Care.
Food Preparation and Nutrition
This syllabus is designed to provide opportunities for investigation, designing, making and evaluation which focus on the use of food as a material. In order to apply the appropriate designing and making skills, candidates will need to acquire an appropriate knowledge of the complex nature of food as a material and its various properties. Also the effect of processing and the appropriate selection of tools and equipment which enable it to be cut, formed, shaped and finished. It is expected that candidates will acquire this knowledge and experience through focused practical tasks and assignments which enable a range of skills and processes to be developed. Wherever possible, these should be related to industrial practices and processes.
Assessment
The Scheme of Assessment consists of three components: Final examinations (50%), NEA 1 (15%) and NEA 2 (35%)
Design and Technology with a focus on Timbers
In this subject the pupils will experience various activities concerned with the designing and making of quality products mainly in wood, but also metal and/or plastic.
The pupils are encouraged to design the products that they make and have the opportunities to personalise much of what they do. Practical capability is an integral part of the course and the quality of work produced is high, being well constructed, well-conceived and well finished.
Although an emphasis is placed on traditional skills, there is also the possibility of projects being produced using CAD/CAM, (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture).
There are a range of opportunities for the pupils to develop their understanding and knowledge of modern technologies. The department now has access to a laser cutter, which is widely used in projects, a 3-axis milling machine, sublimation equipment and a 3D Printer.
All the projects that the pupils produce can be taken home, final pieces of coursework could be anything of the pupils choice, but they typically include; Tables, Storage Units, Children’s Toys or Games Units.
The assessment is split into two component parts: Final examination (50%) and NEA (50%)
Design and Technology with a focus on Textiles
Textiles is a practical subject which helps students to develop their creativity through developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them. It also enables them to develop a working knowledge of a wide range of textiles materials and components.
Through this GCSE course, the students will learn about design and market influences, processes and manufacture, environmental issues and the use of ICT in relation to the manufacturing of material products. They will also build on their professional presentation skills and develop a greater understanding of Computer Aided Design.
Whilst the course is made up of a 50% written paper and 50% controlled assessment, there is an emphasis on the practical elements of this course. Pupils will build on their skills learnt in lower school textiles lessons and understand how textiles garments are constructed, developing their accuracy and confidence in using the sewing machines, and their creativity through modelling on a tailor’s dummy. They will also be taught how to be creative and innovative when designing and design products to meet the needs of clients and consumers. They will develop and understand the design principles of form, function and fitness for purpose, and understand the role that designers and product developers have, and the impact and responsibility they have on and to society.
As part of this course, the pupils will have the opportunity to create various products from clothing, to accessories, to interior products, to children’s fancy dress or toys depending on their interests.
It is a lively subject that allows students to express their individuality and creativity and develop many practical and transferable skills.
The assessment is split into two component parts: Final examination (50%) and Controlled Assessment (50%).
Career Possibilities
Design and Technology is accepted with the same value as every other subject as part of the general entry requirements for colleges of further education, universities and other professional bodies. The skills gained in Design and Technology (e.g. problem solving, creativity, team working, and critical thinking) will be of value in the vast majority of professional vocations.
BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care
The course is made up of three components: two internally assessed and one that’s externally assessed. The three-block structure, explore, develop and apply, allows pupils to build on and embed their knowledge. This allows them to grow in confidence and then put into practice what they have learned.
Component 1 Human Lifespan Development
Aim: understand how we grow and develop throughout our lives
Assessment: internally assessed assignments Weighting: 30% of total course
During Component 1, pupils will:
- explore how individuals develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually over time
- investigate how various factors, events and choices impact individuals’ growth and development
- discover how people adapt to life events and cope with making changes.
Component 2 Health and Social Care Services and Values
Aim: get to know how the Health and Social Care sector works and the care values that lie at the core of it.
Assessment: internally assessed assignments Weighting: 30% of total course
During Component 2, pupils will:
- learn which health and social care services are available
- identify why people might need to use these services
- discover who’s involved in providing these services
- explore what might stop people from accessing the services they need
