Quintin Kynaston School, a specialist technology school

GCSE Design Technology

Product Design

Students design, model and make products using a range of materials and technologies. They learn about design over time and their creative skills and communications skills are developed. Students are assessed in a range of ways including coursework, practical exams and written exams. Students are given the flexibility to create designs that they are interested in. The units of study over year 10 and 11 are:

  • Applying Design Skills
  • Innovation Challenge
  • Making, Testing and Advertising
  • Design Influences

Food Technology

Students study a range of cooking techniques and processes. They learn the different properties of food and how what the ingredients do in recipes. They learn by applying their knowledge in food practicals and coursework.

Students also learn about nutrients, health and hygiene, how to prepare and process foods in the correct way, computer-aided design/manufacture (CAD/CAM) and about food in industry.

The course is assessed by coursework (60%) and a 1 ½ hour exam (40%)

  • Unit 1: Preparing and processing food
  • Unit 2: Adapting recipes to suit a target audience.
  • Unit 3: GCSE coursework/ CAD/CAM
  • Unit 4: Health and Hygiene
  • Unit 5: Food in industry

Graphics

Graphics involves 3-dimensional modelling using materials such as wood, metal, plastic, cards and papers. It is not based on a student's hand drawing skill, although this is an advantage. For 2-dimensional modelling students use computer-aided design/manufacture (CAD/CAM) software such as Photoshop, CorelDraw and 2D design. Students design for projects such as architectural models, packaging, advertisements, and points of sale.

Students will also learn about presentation of work and a variety of drawing techniques.

Year 10 Study Units: CD covers, Stationery for a client, Bar/restaurant modelling

Year 11 Coursework: Perfume packaging, Playground model, Café shop front, CD point of sale.

Resistant Materials

Students learn how to design and make full size products using wood, metal and plastic gaining knowledge of properties and characteristics of these materials and the correct tools to use with them. They learn how to use tools and equipment safely, making products using materials and components, computer-aided design/manufacture (CAD/CAM) software and joining materials together using industrial processes.

Year 10 Study Units: Mini projects around wood, metal and plastic

Year 11 Coursework: Lighting project

Textile Technology

Students will have the opportunity to design and make products using various fabrics whilst developing their hand and machine sewing skills. During Year 10 and 11 students will cover fabric making, surface decoration, fashion design, garment and pattern construction, origins of fibre and their properties, modern technologies and CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture). Students will be involved in regularly visiting exhibitions and fashion events across London and possible opportunities to go abroad.

Course Content

Unit 1

  • 60% Coursework: Creative design and make activities
  • Where students will be able to design and make a product based around a broad and general theme. They will also develop skills in researching, designing, reviewing, planning, making, testing and evaluating.

Unit 2

  • 40% Exam (1hr 30m): Knowledge and understanding of Textiles Technology
  • Where students will develop knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and processes used in Design and Technology.