Key Stage 3

During Years 7 and 8, students will be developing and building on their key Designing and Making skills.  Through a variety of projects, students will be introduced to the Design Process and how this process impacts on the development of a successful product.

Students will design and make a selection of products that include bird houses, night lights and desk organisers. These products will allow students to develop their knowledge of woods, plastics and electronics, as well as build skills with hand and machine tools.

Students will learn how best to present their ideas through sketching and Computer Aided Design. Along with presenting their products with Computer Aided Design, students will begin to learn about Computer Aided Manufacture through the use of the Academy’s new Laser Cutter. This state of the art piece of equipment allows students to create complex and accurate products quickly and efficiently.

At the end of KS3, students will leave Product Design with a strong set of key making skills and the ability to develop and present their ideas effectively.

 

Key Stage 4

In KS4, Product Design offers three separate pathways.

In Year 9, students will undertake a 1 year non-exam course. This year is aimed at building on what they have learnt during KS3 and allowing the opportunity to develop their design and making skills further.

Students will be given more freedom over the products they create. They will learn about more advanced areas of Product Design including anthropometrics and ergonomics.

Students will learn about more advanced making processes and develop their understanding of material science. Combining this new knowledge with more advanced presentation techniques, the students will have the opportunity to create a range of complex and innovative products. These products include USB memory sticks, recycled furniture and MP3 holders.

 

In Year 10, students will undertake the Product Design 1 Year GCSE Short Course. This is a recognised qualification and students will receive a certificate at the end of the year.

The qualification is achieved with a 20 hour Design and Make project that is worth 60% of the overall mark and a 1 hour exam at the end of the year that is worth 40% of the mark.

Students will choose a design brief and develop a product based around the brief. They will undertake their own research and design and make a product that best suits their chosen brief. The students will be required to demonstrate strong designing and making skills and apply their knowledge of materials throughout the project.

The year will see students further develop and consolidate their knowledge of Product Design and allow them to work more independently to create a successful and functional final product.

 

In Year 11, students will undertake the Product Design Full GCSE. The qualification is achieved with a 45 hour Design and Make project that is worth 60% of the overall mark and a 2 hour exam at the end of the year that is worth 40% of the mark.

Students will choose a design brief and develop a product based around the brief. They will undertake their own research and then design and make a product that best suits their chosen brief. Students will be required to demonstrate a high ability in both designing and making. They will create coursework that is in-depth and fully communicates their understanding of the subject and the product they are designing.

This is a challenging year that will really push students to create innovative products that experiment with new techniques and technologies. Students will develop a strong understanding of design and making principles that will prove vital should they wish to pursue a career in the creative, design or engineering industries.