Technology and Design

Mr McCourt (Head Of Department)
TBC (Technician)

In addition to fostering the overall aims of the school, our specific key aim is to promote a positive, caring atmosphere in which individual self-discipline can develop an interest in Technology and Design and its relevance to the world of life and work. We aim:

To encourage an understanding of the increasingly technologically complex world in which we live.
To encouraging pupils to express their own ideas when designing and making products in response to a problem, need or opportunity.
Developing design and decision-making skills when problem solving.
Nurturing individual creativity.
The enjoyment of skilled practical work and the achievement of high quality outcomes.
Safe practice in the use of tools, equipment and machinery.
Understanding the use of electronic, mechanical, pneumatic and computer controlled systems in modern products and artefacts.
Developing a critical awareness of the social and environmental impacts of design and technological activities.

GCSE Technology and Design (TL)

Examination Board: CCEA

What is GCSE Technology and Design about?

Technology and Design is principally concerned with design and problem solving. The subject places a strong emphasis on mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems incorporating computer and 3D modelling. Technology and Design also develops design and manufacturing skills, from carrying out investigations and developing designs leading to the production of a working prototype.

What will I study and how will I be assessed?

Content	Assessment	Weighting
Unit 1 Technology and Design Core Content	External Examination	25%
Unit 2 Optional Areas of Study	External Examination	25%
Unit 3 Design and Manufacturing Project Students complete a design project comprising a design portfolio and an associated manufacturing task.	Controlled Assessment	50%

What can this subject lead to?

Studying Technology and Design leads to employment opportunities in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering/ Civil Engineering, Product or Graphic Design, Automotive Engineering and Design, Manufacturing and Industrial Design, Fabrication of materials –Welding and construction, Aircraft Industry, Design, Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing Apprenticeships.

Technology and Design

Examination Board: CCEA

What is A Level Technology and Design about?

Technology and Design is a multifaceted, dynamic subject that not only teaches pupils an array of skills that they can develop into exciting careers, but also allows them to put their learning from other areas of the curriculum into practice. Technology and Design is principally concerned with design and problem solving, placing a strong emphasis on mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems incorporating computer and 3D modelling. The subject also develops design and manufacturing skills, from carrying out investigations and developing designs leading to production of working prototypes.

What will I study and how will I be assessed?

AS Content	Assessment	Weighting
Unit 1: AS1 Design and Materials/Systems and Control or Product Design	External Examination	50% of AS Level 20% of A Level
Unit 2: AS2 Coursework Product Development: Practical outcome with design folder	Internally assessed and externally moderated	50% of AS Level 20% of A Level
A2 Content	Assessment	Weighting
Unit 1: A2 1 Systems and Control or Product Design	External Examination	30% of A Level
Unit 2: A2 2 Coursework Product-System Design and Manufacture: Practical outcome with design folder.	Internally assessed and externally moderated	30% of A Level

Are there any particular qualities or skills I should have to study this course and to what kind of careers can it lead?

Studying Design and Technology leads to employment opportunities in: Electrical/ Electronic Engineer or Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineer/ Civil Engineering, Product or Graphic Design, Architecture, Software engineering or Web design, Practical work- Jobs in construction, Electrical technicians, Automotive engineering and design, Manufacturing and Industrial Design, Fabrication of materials –Welding and construction, Aircraft industry and Material Engineering, Design, Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing Apprenticeships.

Technology and Design (Systems & Control)

The types of careers that this subject can lead to are mainly based around Engineering and any career in the manufacturing sector.

Of course, the various specialisations within the subject area mean you can choose to specialise in certain fields, although transferable skills do allow you to change direction.

Technology and Design equip students with core skills in project management, IT and computing skills, alongside the engineering skills you’ll need in any field within the sector. The additional soft skills taught within the subject include communication, leadership and organisational skills, all of which are highly sought after by employers across a range of industries above and beyond just engineering and manufacturing.

As a Technology and Design specialist there are a lot of lucrative engineering and manufacturing careers open to you. As if that wasn’t enough, these are also currently growth areas with excellent prospects for anyone looking to move into the sector. These growth areas include Construction, Charities and not-for-profit organisations, Medicine, Aerospace, Environmental sector and Consultancies

Technology and Design (Product Design)

You can find employment in both the private and public sector. Private sector work could include manufactured products for the domestic and industrial market. Working in the public sector may involve designing interactive facilities, such as public information points and equipment used by services such as the police, fire and ambulance.

Employers include: