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Year 9 Options - Product Design (D&T)

WHY THIS SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT

The Design & Technology Product Design course develops creativity and gives a good understanding of practical skills and understanding of irrespective materials being used. You will be able to explore the designs that you are interested in and build your knowledge on how different designs are achieved. The theory and practical skills, within hand tools and machines, can be used in real situations where you are required to think about solutions to the problem. If you are interested in any of the trades such as mechanics, site carpentry, plumbing and electrics, or civil engineering, product design, automotive and aerospace, this course could be for you.

GCSE within Design Technology can be used to form the basis of further study, workplace experience or interest.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

You will look into a number of different areas within product design and how they are relevant, needed and supported within design. You will look at a number of core areas which will allow you to develop and apply your skills and understanding of design technology, ideas, prototypes, communication and decision making. 

The areas you will look at are:

  • Design and technology and our world 
  • Smart materials 
  •  Electronic systems and programmable components 
  •  Mechanical components and devices 
  • Materials

You will then look into more detail of two of the following sections. These will give you a more in depth understanding of selecting and working with materials, marking out, using different tools and equipment, specialist techniques and surfacing finishes and treatments.

The areas you could have a more in depth look at are:

  • Electronic systems, programmable components & mechanical devices  
  • Papers & boards 
  • Natural & manufactured timber 
  • Ferrous & non-ferrous metals 
  • Thermosetting & thermoforming plastics 
  • Fibres & textiles

There is an emphasis on the concept and designing of components. You will be shown how to express and present your design ideas with a range of communication methods, and computergenerated realisations.  Critical evaluation and annotation is important as you explore the form and function of your component. You will model and produce a prototype/semi functioning outcome. 

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

There is an internally assessed piece

  • NEA - responding to a brief - 50%

The brief is set by the exam board and you will be able to start their coursework within the June. You will need to show research into the brief, designs, prototypes, models, analysis, evaluations and a final piece which shows a link back to the brief you are given. This is set at a time limit of 30 hours where you will create a portfolio and a number of models/prototypes and a final piece.

External assessment

  • Exam - a mixture of questions based on the points above. 2 hours - 50%

WHAT DOES THIS SUBJECT LOOK LIKE AT COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY?

You can continue your product design studies at AS and A-level as well as at University level. You will need to select an area of Design Technology which you would like to specialise in such as: - woods, metals, engineering, textiles, fashion, interior, graphic, mechanical, and you will be given a brief/title which you would work too. At the end of each year you would be asked to design, develop and create a product of your choice which you could present. You will also build on your professional portfolio.

WHAT CAREERS COULD THIS LEAD TO?

Design Technology - product design opens the door to lots of exciting careers. 

These careers can include:

  • Fashion design
  • Graphic design
  • Architecture 
  • Theatre design
  • Interior design
  • Teaching
  • Video game designer 
  • Product design

The transferable skills you gain will be valuable for the world of work. You’ll develop problem solving, creative thinking, investigating, research, communication, time management and teamwork skills.

 

NB:- There is a cost of £15.00, to be paid in Year 10, which goes towards the materials needed for student projects.  There will then be a further cost in Year 11 towards the making of their own product and for any other materials/equipment they might need which will be a minimum of £20.