The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems. Through studying GCSE Design and Technology, learners will be prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world; and be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.

Designing and making real products, for real purposes, using resistant materials is fun, challenging and relevant to the modern technological world in which we live. Computer Aided Design and Manufacture is taught and used throughout the course and students will also be made aware of the need to consider sustainability and the environmental impact of their designing.

D&T Product Design Eduqas GCSE

The specification provides an excellent route into GCE Product Design and can also lead students into professions like: a wide range of Engineering fields e.g. Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering etc.  Architecture, Furniture Design, Product/Industrial Design, Electronics, Systems and Control, Theatre & Television Design, Jewellery Design, Landscape Design,  to name a few. If students decide to go into the medical or dental profession, it is very important that they have good dexterity and the wide range of making skills that they will learn throughout this course, will help to develop their fine motor skills.

GCSE Product Design allows students to work with all 3 of the major materials groups; Woods, Metals and Plastics and therefore gives students a broad learning experience. There is a good balance between theory and practical lessons which deliver a relevant curriculum that is up to date, stimulating and interesting.  At Sutton Grammar School, in addition to Resistant Materials, we will also be giving our students the opportunity to also include some Engineering and Electronics, including using Arduino’s to control lighting and other outputs.

We aim to produce good quality well-made working products, which students show pride in.  We encourage students to express themselves creatively and work autonomously, actively seeking solutions to design problems using their own ingenuity.   Students will undertake a series of small projects designed to expose them to as wide a variety of materials and processes as possible.   Students will also gain experience in pewter casting, sheet metal work, laminating, hardwoods and softwoods, manufactured boards and plastic deformation. They will look at a wide range of manufacturing processes including; use of CAD/CAM, laser cutting, CNC routing, heat treatment of metals, casting, plastic moulding as well as wood working skills.

Projects
Students will complete two projects which will have folder work and one Mock GCSE exam in year 10. Students will complete their NEA and sit mock exams in year 11.

Competitions
Students will be taking part in national competitions during the course, which will give them the opportunity to experience working to a real design brief and hopefully following in the footsteps of our previous winners and finalist at the Big Bang Science Fair and TDI Challenge, including ‘STACKAMALS’ and Cycle Light Hoodie. We came first and second in the post 16 Group category in the TDI Finals in 2018 winning £3,000 and in 2019 we have a record number of 5 Entries which includes four groups and one solo. Finalist in the Big Bang Science Fair.