About GCSE
The Fourths and Fifths undertake the AQA Design Technology (Resistant materials) GCSE 3545. Pupils can be entered for the Foundation or Higher Tier, depending on their ability.
The course
In the 4th and 5th years the AQA GCSE “Design and Technology: Resistant Materials” course is followed. The course places signifi cant emphasis on the pupils initiating their own projects. These projects are started around Easter in the 4th year and the intention is that these will foster initiative and problem solving, and develop a questioning mind as well as skills in research, graphics, presentation and evaluation.
Case study work on everyday products is developed to encourage the pupils to take a wider view of the effects of design on everyday life.
Progression
The GCSE Course allows pupils to use knowledge gained in other subjects such as Maths, Computing, Physics and Art to enhance their design work. Designers require many strings to their bows, and this helps pupils to realise that good grounding in other subjects is key if you are to succeed in this subject area. GCSE DT prepares pupils well for AS and A-Level Design Technology in the 6ths and 7ths.
GCSE Assessment
The course has three forms of assessment:
4th year internal assessment
Throughout the year the pupils are given past paper questions to do for prep and in class. This familiarises the pupils with the type of question they may come across in an examination. |
5th year Project
Each project offers the pupil opportunities in problem-solving. The GCSE course places significant emphasis on the pupils initiating their own projects. All projects hope to foster initiative and develop a questioning mind. The project work develops research, graphical, presentation, manipulative and evaluation skills. |
Coursework 60%
Projects range from those purely functional in content to those of aesthetic value. The use of new technology is encouraged where appropriate. Each product manufactured has a supporting design folio. The work produced in the Fifth year is normally used for assessment. The Fifth form project will take two to three terms to produce. |
Written Paper 40%
Part 1 examines the pupils' understanding of materials, processes, safety procedures, and methods of manufacture. Part 2 relates to the research topic which is issued to them by the Board in the March of the exam year, and tests their drawing and design skills. |
The fourths are given tests at regular intervals through out the term. At the end of the final term they sit an examination which is made up of GCSE past papers. This end of year examination last 2 hours and covers work studied over the three terms.
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The fifths undertake a major project which lasts approximately 3 terms. .jpg)
The pupils undertake a project outwith the department. It may be run in conjunction with the Junior School or other outside organisation such as the Royal Blind School. The course allows pupils the flexibility to work with numerous materials in solving the problems identified. 
This takes the form of a formal 2½ hour written and drawing paper.
This page is: Edinburgh Academy / curriculum / dt / gcse.htm
