GCSE Design Technology Product Design
The Product Design Department has an excellent track record at GCSE and A Level, and has won several awards from the Good Schools Guide. Product Design is an extremely popular subject and the department maintains a fierce academic rigour whilst allowing pupils the thrill of designing and creating their own products.
Year 9 pupils create an exciting range of products using traditional materials. Projects include copper braising, fused glass jewellery, pewter and resin coasters, mirror frames, chopping boards and ‘Greenwood’ spatulas. Projects build upon skills learned at the Prep but also provide a sound basis for those who have not studied Product Design before.
GCSE and A Level pupils study the AQA Product Design Specifications which allow them exciting opportunities of designing and making products using any material.
Year 10 pupils learn both Theory and Practical skills. Theory topics include all common materials like timber, metals and plastics, but also smart materials. History of design, industrial manufacturing methods and sustainability are also key topics at GCSE and A Level. In practical, pupils complete a variety of tasks, building skills for Year 11.
Year 11 pupils complete the unit 2 controlled assessment, worth 60% of the GCSE. They have freedom to choose their projects and past students have created items of prototype furniture, fashion jewellery, sports equipment, garden furniture, water features, lighting and household accessories.
At A Level, pupils extend their knowledge and skills beyond GCSE. Pupils gain a deeper understanding of materials and industrial manufacturing processes in readiness for the two, demanding Year 13 examinations and complete two innovative ‘Shop Quality’ prototypes.
Every year pupils have the opportunity to represent the school in the exciting Go4SET scheme, introducing them to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers. In recent years, Year 9 pupils have won the South West competition and competed in the national final at the NEC. Pupils also gain their CREST Bronze awards for project work and may also work towards their Industrial Cadet Award.