Level: Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced
Exam Board: WJEC
Why study Design and Technology?
This course offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for students to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products in a wide range of contexts relating to their personal interests or future careers. Students who choose Design and technology should be imaginative, resourceful, show initiative and a willingness to work independently.
Gofynion Mynediad
In most cases you will have already gained a grade B or higher in GCSE Design and Technology Graphic Products or Systems and Control. Students who have not followed the subject at GCSE (but have gained at least 5 GCSE's at grade B or above including Mathematics and Science) will be considered for suitability on an individual basis.
What is the content of the course?
A wide variety of teaching methods will be employed including lectures, class discussion, practical demonstration, observation and industrial visits. There is a strong emphasis on self-study in some areas of the course. For more information, see below:
What is the structure of the course?
Advanced Subsidiary (AS), Year 12
DT1: Examination Paper (20%) 2 hours
This paper will contain two sections which will assess candidates' knowledge and understanding of the subject content for:
3.1.1 Designing and innovation - Developing your ability to design and enhance your basic design skills in order to solve problems.
3.1.2 Product analysis - This section is about understanding the requirements a product must satisfy, critical assessment of existing products and visualising new products in a context of past, present and future possibilities.
3.2.1 Materials and components - Developing a general appreciation of the wide range of materials and components available to designers and manufacturers.
3.2.2 Industrial and commercial practice - Understanding various methods of production and being able to apply appropriate commercial practices in practical projects.
DT2: Design and Make Task (30%) approximately 60 hours
Candidates will submit one design and make task which satisfy the AS assessment criteria.
Advanced (A2), Year 13
DT3: Examination Paper (20% Advanced) 2½ hours
This paper will assess candidates' knowledge and understanding of the subject content for:
3.1.3 Human responsibility - Acquiring the knowledge and understanding needed to support design activities through an increased awareness of the designer's social, moral, ethical and legal responsibilities.
3.1.4 Public interaction- This section is about product design and its place in the market, for example how a design idea may be transformed into a marketable product.
3.2.3 Processes - Developing a detailed knowledge and understanding of a broad range of processes.
3.2.4 Production systems and control - Applying knowledge of production systems and control techniques to provide valid, reliable data and information in order to manufacture quality products.
DT4: Project (30%) approximately 60 hours.
Candidates will undertake a single substantial project. Each year the WJEC will set eight themes for the project, though candidates may also submit their own proposals for approval.
Possible Careers
It is intended to be of interest to those of you who aim to follow a higher education course or career in Design and Technology or an associated area such as Product Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, Graphic Design, Interior Design or Architecture.