What will students study in Design and Technology this year?
Students can opt for a range of different D&T GCSE areas: Food, Design & Technology, Art Textiles or Engineering. An overview of each of these subject areas and an outline of the course is provided below.
Food & Nutrition - The Food and Nutrition OCR GCSE (J309) equips students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to create healthy dishes. Students develop practical cookery skills and techniques as they explore the underlying principles of food science, nutrition, food traditions and food safety. Content for this will be covered during theory lessons, once a week through Year 10.
The GCSE consists of 2 elements, 50% being the written examination and the other 50% is split into 2 pieces of coursework. The first NEA1 coursework is a science-based food experiment where students conduct tests, analyse and evaluate all the results. This is worth 15% of the final GCSE mark. The title and theme for this piece of work changes each year and is released by the exam board in September of Year 11. To help students prepare for this they will complete a mock NEA 1 in the summer of Year 10.
The second coursework is NEA2 and is a food practical exam consisting of planning and making three dishes in 5-hour exam conditions and worth 35% of final grade. They will also produce an accompanying folder documenting the planning and evaluation of this practical. To help them prepare for this element students will practice a range of high-level skills through Year 10 in weekly practical lessons. These will help them to refine their presentation skills as well as their ability to plan dishes and work to a set time in the kitchen. The theme for NEA 2 also changes each year. This is set by the exam board and released in November of Year 11.
Deign & Technology - OCR GCSE (J310). Students will develop their understanding of materials, processes, mechanisms and systems through this course. The assessment for this course is split between two elements: 50% of the mark comes from an exam that pupils sit in the summer of Year 11. This focuses on the application of materials and processes on a range of different consumer products. Students will prepare for this through dedicated theory lessons as well as through learning by doing within their practical projects in lessons.
The other 50% of the mark is an Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) design project. The exam board will release the set contexts for this on 1June of Year 10. Students will then work on this project through until February of Year 11. Students will be tasked with researching and finding a relevant design problem to solve, seeking stakeholders to work with along with then designing, testing and iterating to produce a range of prototypes that should meet the original context and the design brief.
Students will evidence their design work, research and evaluations within a digital design portfolio that is assessed along with their final developed prototype. To help prepare for this project students will work on mini NEA projects with different briefs through Year 10 so that they can build their confidence selecting materials, practice different work show processes and learn how to present and communicate their design ideas through their project work.
Art Textiles - AQA GCSE. In Year 10, students will start the course by learning a range of different techniques, which will be put into a sketchbook for their use/reference for the next two years. They will then use a range those techniques to design and decorate their own personal apron, to use for the remainder of the course. This will progress into a second project of an artist study, ending with a practice exam piece.
The course is assessed via two elements; the first is a personal project. This is worth 60% of the final mark. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during Year 10 and into Year 11. To prepare for this, students will complete skills projects completed at the beginning of Year 10.
The remaining 40% of the mark will be assessed through a timed and themed assessment. Students respond to their chosen starting point from the externally set brief working towards developing a final piece in a 10-hour practical assessment in April/May of Year 11. Students will use their personal project, skill building and project work to help them prepare for this exam.
Students will be working in A4 ring bound sketchbooks, learning how to use an artist to influence design, and then how to combine more than one artist to inform a final product.
Engineering: AQA GCSE (8852). Students will develop their understanding of materials, processes, mechanisms and systems through this course. The assessment for this course is split between two elements: 60% of the mark comes from an exam that pupils sit in the summer of Year 11. This focuses on the application of materials and processes on a range of different consumer products, they will have to apply their mathematical understating as well as their understanding of both mechanical and electronic systems. Students will prepare for this through dedicated theory lessons as well as through learning by doing within their practical projects in lessons.
The other 40% of the mark is a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) design project. The exam board will release the set contexts for this on 1 June of Year 10. Pupils will then work on this project through until February of Year 11. Pupils will be tasked with researching and finding a relevant design problem to solve, seeking stakeholders to work with along with then designing, testing and iterating to produce a range of prototypes that should meet the original context and the design brief. Their prototype will need to include elements of a mechanical or electronic system.
What are the major assessments in Year 10/11?
Students work with a high degree of independence to complete their NEA projects across all design & Technology subjects. This will require students to be organised and keep up to date with class work, project work and theory revision. Students will be given clear deadlines to work through to help scaffold and plan their NEA projects.
What will the current performance grade be based on?
The current GCSE grades are based on progress within their relevant projects or practical work and the student’s performance in theory topic tests through Year 10 and 11.
What should my student do if they feel they are struggling in the subject?
In the first instance, they should speak to their subject teacher who will help to identify specific areas for improvement with targeted support in the form of catch-up sessions, clubs or guided support.
How can I support my student to excel in D&T subjects?
The best way to provide general support is by discussing their project work and how things are going and their project work at home.
For engineering and D&T. If you can, access the CAD programs online, use these to build your knowledge and skill in using them. This could be programs like OnShape CAD and TinkerCAD. Or Techsoft 2D design.
For DT, engineering & textiles you can Visit exhibitions and galleries such as the Design Museum, The V&A both in Kensington & The Young V&A in Bethnal Green. There are also lots of smaller fantastic museums with a design focus such as The Fashion & Textile Museum in London Bridge or The Museum of Brands, The Horniman Museum & The London Transport Museum.
There are also a range of competitions and programmes D&T students could consider an apply for. V&A innovate or Design Ventura are great ways of practicing design projects and skills. Engineering focused students could consider applying for an Engineering Arkwright Scholarship.
There are lots of fantastic online publications as well as social media accounts dedicated to the Design industry. These could also be a great source of research. Dezeen. & Design Boom. For food Good Food is a great source of interesting recipes to try and cook at home. For textiles Vogue or Dazed.
What kind of independent work should my student be completing?
Students are given regular homework to complete. This should be recorded on Microsoft Teams. Their home learning will either relate to relevant theory or their project work.
To do well in Design and Technology they should ensure they are keeping up to date with the research, design and their project work.
For Food and Nutrition regularly practising cooking at home, testing and trailing dishes and new skills will really help to improve your skill set and help towards your NEA preparation.
Who can I contact for further advice and information?
Please feel free to contact the Head of Design and Technology, Mrs Cameron, on ncameron@newsteadwood.co.uk with as much detailed information as possible.