Design & Technology (Resistant Materials)

Head Of Department: Mr M Cudjoe
Contact Details: mdc@felsted.org

Instagram: @Felsted_DTE

Exam Board: AQA   www.aqa.org.uk
Syllabus Code: 8552 

Why should I study Design & Technology?
This AQA specification encourages pupils to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. A working knowledge of woods, metals, plastics and composite materials will be developed through two ‘design and make’ projects in Year 10, in order to manufacture working products and give pupils a ‘hands on’ approach to learning prior to the controlled Assessment task in Year 11. Modern technologies such as electronics and CAD/CAM are embraced within the department which has a range of facilities and equipment that includes sublimation printing, 3D printing and CNC machining. Design work can be done graphically by hand or by using a number of CAD packages within the D&T department. The D&T theory will also foster awareness amongst candidates, of the need to consider sustainability, environmental and social impact of their designing. The theory covers areas of design knowledge such as ergonomics, industrial practice and product analysis. These all lead on well to A Level courses in Product Design.

Expectations of independent study
Throughout the course, the learning of the theory is supported by the use of question booklets that will require pupils to carry out research using the AQA textbook or the internet. A large number of resources such as CD ROMs are also available for pupils to use through a D&T intranet area which pupils can access at all times to support their learning, and the completion of regular preps. Given the practical nature of Design & Technology, pupils will be expected to attend extra workshop sessions as they make progress through the Controlled Assessment task in Year 11. The research and design work that they will need to do prior to manufacturing their product will also require a lot of independent study with the better pupils finding clients that can help them with their final evaluations.
 

What do the pupils say?
“There are so many opportunities to use such a variety of processes and machinery.” 
“The nice thing is there is so much freedom to design what you want!”

What skills will I develop by studying this subject?
Pupils will develop skills in the workshops to help manufacture products that are well finished and made with precision. These practical skills cover many aspects of working in wood, metal and plastics; skills that are both manual and assisted by Computer Aided Manufacturing techniques. Pupils will also develop their ability to convey ideas using graphics skills such as sketching, rendering, isometric, orthographic and Computer Aided Design techniques. They will improve their ability to carry out research for design and make tasks as well as being more able to critically analyse everyday products.

Assessment:  
Unit 1 Written Paper (45601) 120 marks (2 hours)  50%  

Unit 2 Design and Making Practice (45602)  50%  
Controlled Assessment project 100 marks (Approximately 30-35 hours)

...there is so much support from teachers and technicians.
Annabel, Year 10