Middle School Curriculum Booklet 25-27

Design and Technology

OCR GCSE Design and Technology J310

How is the course assessed? The final grade is awarded based on assessment of an NEA project and a written examination:

What does the course cover? The course aims to enable pupils to combine their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make products of high quality. It involves both working as an individual and as part of a team, and allows the development of skills across a range of contexts, materials and processes. As part of the course, pupils will learn to reflect on the effect and implications of technology on society and to develop the critical ability and aesthetic sensitivity to evaluate design and technology in the world at large. Architecture, Product Design and Graphic Design and, since it encourages pupils to become problem-solvers and hone their critical thinking, the value of the subject is wide reaching as it develops skills applicable to a variety of professions. Why study Design and Technology? Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. Design and Technology provides grounding for many of the design-related professions such as Engineering,

Written Examination 50% of final mark, 2 hours

Pupils will be examined on their knowledge and understanding of the designing and making processes and of the three core materials: wood, metals and plastics.

Non-Examination Assessment 50% of final mark

Pupils will respond to a contextual challenge to design and make a prototype. This will involve the production of a portfolio of evidence which will show the process in terms of: investigating design possibilities; producing a design brief and specification; generating, developing and realising design ideas; and analysis and evaluation.

23