Why study Design Technology?
Design Technology is the right option for those who have a real passion and interest for the creative industries.
Have you ever thought that you could make something better?
Have you ever wondered how everything works? Have you ever admired a building, a product, or a new technology?
Everything in your world has been designed, and off world, we design and manufacture space stations and satellites, vehicles that travel and land on other planets, and new technologies and energy sources that will change and save the planet.
Employers are looking for a lot of skills that Design Technology allows you to develop, such as creative problem solving, project management, innovation and applying knowledge into practical and real-life products. Employers want people who can communicate their ideas well, who are organised, and who can persevere to reach solutions.
There are hundreds of careers from architects to engineers, cybernetics to robotics, and jobs that have not been created yet, using technologies not yet invented to solve problems we have yet identified. Many apprenticeships are offered in these sectors of construction and engineering, as well as opening doors to access higher and further education.
What will I learn?
Technical principles. The core knowledge and understanding is presented in five clear and distinct topic areas:
- Design and technology and our world
- Smart materials
- Electronic systems and programmable components
- Mechanical components and devices
- Materials
You will then specialise in an area of:
- Paper and boards
- Natural & manufactured timber
How will I be assessed?
The subject content for GCSE Design and Technology is assessed by:
Design and Technology in the 21st Century
- Written examination: 2 hours
- 50% of qualification
- 100 marks
A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of:
- technical principles
- designing and making principles along with their ability to
- analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in Design and Technology
Design and Make Task NEA (controlled assessment or coursework):
- approximately 35 hours of teaching time
- 50% of qualification
- 100 marks
A sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by WJEC, assessing candidates’ ability to:
- identify, investigate, and outline design possibilities
- design and make prototypes
- analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in Design and Technology
What course will I follow?
Where can this subject take me?
It can lead on to other Level 3 academic (A-level), vocational (BTEC) and professional (City and Guilds) courses and numerous degrees, post graduate degrees and doctorate qualifications.
20% of the UK workforce are employed in this sector but contributes to over 42% of the UK’s GDP!
