Design & Technology at Unity is all about designing and making things. Students in all Phases at Unity are given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the design process.

Over the years the students learn about how Design and Technology plays a part in the way we live, both today and in the future. They also explore how we use both traditional and modern Smart materials and the tools, techniques and equipment used with them. They have more opportunity than ever to learn about the Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Technologies.

The knowledge and experience gained by the students during the Key Stages are built on each year. The students work in all D&T areas up to the end of Year 8, but from the start of Year 9 they have the option of choosing a more specialist course of either Textiles or Product Design.

      

Phase 1

Our students will use a range of creative and practical activities when working on a variety of design projects. They will be encouraged to design useful and appealing products by develop their ideas using models and information technology. They will use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks and build simple structures and mechanisms. They will be encouraged to look at a range of existing products, evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria and use various materials such as construction materials, textiles and ingredients. Where appropriate, opportunity will also be given for them to develop work for the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community and industry.

They will be taught how to cook, look at where food comes from and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating, whilst preparing dishes that cover a healthy and varied diet.

Phase 2 and 3

Our students will be encouraged use a variety of creative and practical activities. They will produce ideas through sketches, models and computer-aided design, using the design criteria to develop functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose. They will use a wide range of tools and materials, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, to accurately perform practical tasks. Where appropriate, opportunity will be given for them to develop work for the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community and industry. They will look at the work of people in design and technology who have helped shape the world, whilst evaluating their ideas and analysing a range of existing products. They will learn how to strengthen and reinforce structures, apply their understanding of computing and look at the use of mechanical and electrical systems in their work. When cooking, they will be introduced to the principles of a healthy and varied diet. They will prepare and cook savoury dishes using a range of techniques, whilst discovering where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed.

Phase 4

Through a variety of creative and practical experiences our students will be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. Where appropriate, they will develop ideas for both personal and industrial needs. They will research the work of past and present professionals from different cultures, identify their own design problems and develop solutions for problems given to them by developing appealing products that respond to the needs in a variety of situations. They will be encouraged to develop design ideas using sketches, detailed plans, modelling and computer-based tools to produce creative ideas. Opportunity will be given for them to look at new technologies, specialist tools, equipment and machinery, including computer-aided manufacture. They will be required to evaluate and refine their ideas, whilst taking into account the purpose explained in the design brief. Their technical knowledge will also be developed by looking at such things as the properties of materials, mechanical and electrical systems and the use of computers in the modern design industry. As part of their work with food they will be introduced to a range of cooking techniques, make savoury dishes and develop their understanding of nutrition so that they are able to feed themselves and others a healthy and varied diet. They will also develop an understanding of the source, seasonality and characteristics of a broad range of ingredients. 

This Subject as a GCSE Option

Subject - Design & Technology: Product Design

Qualification - GCSE

Levels - 1 and 2

Lessons per week - 2

What will I study?

Product Design looks at how the designer develops and models ideas into concepts or prototypes which can then be manufactured. It builds on your experience from KS3 and includes Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM).

The course includes the analysis of iconic products such as the IPod, Dyson vacuum cleaner and the Smart car. You will consider how design is able to meet particular needs in society and improve the quality of our lives.

Patterns of work are changing rapidly. This emphasises the need to prepare young people to be adaptable in acquiring new knowledge and skills. This course helps students to develop an ability to respond flexibly and creatively in unpredictable situations, adding new learning as they progress through a design task.

GCSE Product Design enables pupils to:

  • understand how design and technology affects our lives;
  • contribute to the use and development of technology in our society through informed participation;
  • relate their personal experience to the work of commerce and industry;
  • make use of ICT as part of their designing and making;
  • enjoy the experience of learning and celebrate their achievements.

During the course our students will learn about

  • Design Evolution - why have products changed over time?
  • Green Products and Design – for sustainability
  • Design Ideas - how to present and annotate them
  • Product Development and modelling
  • Package design and manufacture
  • Materials, components and manufacturing methods
  • How to create a design portfolio responding to a brief
  • How to make a design as a product prototype

Students also benefit from applying knowledge, skills and understanding from other areas of the curriculum. 

How will I be assessed?

The final GCSE grade is decided by combining two assessed components. These are:

40% Written Paper. One exam which tests knowledge and understanding.

60% Controlled Assessment Task. One individual Design & Make project consisting of a design folder which supports the artefact(s) manufactured during the task.

Other information

Details of the course ‘Specification’ for examination in 2017 is available at www.aqa.org.uk

Additional individual/group support time is available at lunchtime and after school.

Where does it lead?

GCSE: Product Design is a pathway to both further and higher education and employment. Product Design provides a useful platform for further study in areas such as architecture, management, ergonomics, occupational therapy, food science, urban planning and education.

There are career opportunities within the print, packaging, designing, advertising and marketing industries as well as Research & Development for individuals with D&T: Product Design experience and qualifications.