This subject is ideal for those people who enjoy designing and making and is a very suitable choice for any candidate who is considering a career in areas such as: engineering, product design, theatre and set design, industrial design, manufacturing, architecture, graphic design, packaging and advertising.

The subject is concerned with giving pupils the opportunity to gain experience in identifying, considering and solving problems through the manipulation of resistant materials. The examination syllabus has two major parts: -

1.         Coursework 60%

This will consist of one major project where the candidate will be expected to design and make a quality product from resistant materials.   A candidate's coursework submission must take the form of a design folder and the realisation of design.

The syllabus will assess the candidate's ability through coursework to: -

• identify a need or opportunity that leads to a design brief;
• conduct research into the design brief which results in a specification;
• generate possible ideas for a solution;
• develop a product for manufacture;
• plan and realise the product;
• evaluate and test the product.

2.         Examination 40%

It will consist of one written paper which will test the candidate's knowledge and understanding of Resistant Materials Technology through questions on designing and making.

Activities undertaken in Year 9 are a good foundation for GCSE work.  Pupils who have shown ability in Year 9 will be welcome to sit Design & Technology at GCSE.

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