Design Technology

Our future as a highly competitive and innovative manufacturing nation rests on the technological understanding and capability of the young people who are in our schools today.

Design technology provides a wide understanding and appreciation of the resources needed to solve design problems. The ability to manage resources effectively is of prime importance in any industrial or commercial enterprise.

It is recommended that candidates should have undertaken a course giving a solid foundation for advanced work. Success in the GCSE examination for design technology would provide a suitable basis.

Design technology is recognised as a mainstream qualification for those wishing to enter higher education, particularly for those intending to follow related subjects at university.

BGS has state-of-the-art facilities for all aspects of work in this subject. The possibilities for project work are endless, and those who choose it will use the latest computer technology when designing and manufacturing.

AS course: summary of content and structure

There are two pathways within the subject: resistant materials technology (with an option in electronics) and graphics with materials technology. Both are concerned with designing solutions to real needs, the analysis of existing products in terms of the materials and processes used in their manufacture, and the study of industrial and commercial practices.

The AS course forms 50% of the assessment weighting of the full two year course. It can be taken as a stand-alone specification or as a stepping-stone to A2. Assessment of both AS and A2 is modular.

For details of the A Level curriculum please visit www.aqa.org.uk