Subjects > Technology > KS4 (GCSE)
Technology Subjects
The aim of the Technology Department is to improve your ability to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and communicate ideas graphically as well as providing a working knowledge of tools, materials and techniques. In addition, we try to make you aware of the important role that Design and Technology plays in a modern industrial society as well as the value it can be in using your own leisure time in a constructive and beneficial way. The courses are demanding but they are also very rewarding; pupils gain personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement in producing work of a standard often higher than they thought themselves capable.
All the courses include a common element – a problem solving approach; pupils will work through a clearly defined design process to create their own solution to a design problem. There are also compulsory elements in each course that are aimed at improving skills and knowledge but they also include projects which offer a wide range of choice of individual work.
The assessment method for all the courses is the same: 60% of the total final mark is allocated to coursework – this is a major project carried out in school over a period of 2 to 3 terms. This gives pupils every opportunity to achieve a good final mark. The remaining 40% is awarded in a final written examination, so thorough learning and preparation is essential in order to secure the higher grades. Time is allocated in the programme of work for this preparation to be done.
Course Titles
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Electronic Products
This course builds upon the work already undertaken in lower school. Pupils are expected to produce a high standard of design work, manufacture an electronic circuit and a suitable case. The course involves learning the theoretical knowledge of Electronics. During this course pupils will use specialist ICT software to model circuits and CAD to produce circuit boards.
Food Technology
This course provides the opportunity to investigate the complex nature of food as a material - its composition, structure and properties. Food products are designed and made through project work, building on the Year 9 biscuit project.
There are 4 main projects in Year 10 and a major project in Year 11. Basic skills are taught during Year 10 projects. In Year 11 pupils work independently as food technologists in the ‘test kitchen’ of a food company, developing products for the retail market.
During this course there is extensive use of ICT for sensory testing, costing, nutritional analysis and digital photography.
Food manufacturing and industrial processing is studied – usually from videos and books. Work linked with industry takes place where possible.
Graphic Products
This course aims at developing ability and skills in a range of topics including free-hand and formal drawing, eg orthographic, isometric, perspective and building plans; media techniques; cardboard engineering, eg ‘pop-ups’ and packaging; communicating information, eg charts, instruction leaflets, using computer aided drawing. Year 10 work provides a wide range of experience that can be developed into the project work in Year 11. The same problem solving approach is used and pupils will be required to complete a major project for the coursework, the emphasis being on designing, drawing, using ICT including CAD/CAM where possible to produce a final solution to the chosen problem. This is a challenging course and pupils produce high quality work.
Resistant Materials
This course deals mainly with designing and making skills, developing much of the work covered in Lower School to a higher level, but also looking at and using some mass production methods. You will learn more about resistant materials like wood, metal and plastic and how to work with them, but you may also work with other materials where appropriate and available. You will be required to produce a major project for your GCSE coursework - this will involve designing and making a product largely of your own choice - the only restrictions being size and cost.
Textiles Technology
The GCSE Textiles Technology course is taught via 2 main projects in year 10, and a major project in year 11. You will have the opportunity to work in the context of both “fashion”, “accessories” and “interiors”, tailoring your choices toward your individual interests. All designing and making skills are taught throughout each of these projects.
Knowledge and understanding of fibres and fabrics and the application of information communication technology are essential elements and are integrated into all areas of the course. You will be encouraged to adopt the role and practices of designers in industry, including an awareness of manufacturing process, leading to the production of quality, practical outcomes.
For more information on any of the above options, please see your subject teacher.