GCSE Resistant Materials

GCSE Resistant Materials
This course has a clear and simple structure to help students revise for and relate the
work done for Controlled Assessment to the exam. There is a practical approach that
encourages students to design and make products with creativity and originality in a
variety of practical activities, using a range of materials and techniques. A working
knowledge of woods, metals, plastics and composite materials are required but other
materials may be used in addition.
Year 10
Students focus on a number of small design and make activities / projects. Each project will
focus on a number of skills / techniques and allow students to work with different materials
including woods, metals, plastics, composite materials and SMART materials. This year
focuses on developing students skills and knowledge of the subject area. Lessons are
divided into folder work, practical and theory based sessions, with homework being set on a
regular basis.
Year 11
A single design-and-make activity selected from a choice of set tasks, consisting of the
development of a made outcome and a concise design folder and/or appropriate ICT evidence.
These tasks are reviewed every two years. The design folder should consist of approximately:
• 20 pages of A3 paper
• equivalent A4 paper
• or the ICT equivalent.
It is expected that students should spend approximately 45 hours on this activity.
As part of the evidence submitted, students should include photographs of the
finished products as well as photographs at various stages of the process.
Exam Board: AQA
Coursework folder: Controlled Assessment
90 marks
For every lesson students
60% of the total marks
are required to have:
Basic Graphics
Exam: Written Paper
Equipment
2 hours
A3 Portfolio:
120 marks
Purchased from
40% of the total marks
school at a cost of
One paper with two sections:
£2
Section A: A design question based on context supplied
before the exam (30 marks)
Section B: Covers all aspects of the specification content (90 marks)
Areas Design and Technology could lead to:
A-Levels in Resistant Materials or Product Design
Product Design
Industrial Design
Automotive Design
Teaching
Furniture Design
Architecture
Text Book Available:
Manufacturing
AQA GCSE Design and Technology:
CAD / CAM Design
Resistant Materials Technology
Engineering
ISBN-13: 978-1408502730

GCSE Resistant Materials
Course Requirements
You are required to have the following equipment with you EVERY lesson without fail:
Pens, Pencils and other graphics equipment.
A3 Folder (which you can purchase from the Design and Technology Department for
£2).
Colouring pencils will be provided in lessons but it is helpful to have your own set for
homework.
Homework must be completed to the best of your ability and handed in on time.
Detentions will be issued to poor, incomplete or lack of homework.
A revision folder will be provided. You must keep your A3 folder and revision folder
neat and tidy.
Projects
You will complete the following projects throughout Year 10:
Graphic Skills: Students will focus on and develop their skills of Perspective
Drawing, Isometric Drawing, One and Two Point Perspective, 3rd Angle
Projection, Sketching and shading. These skills are required throughout the two
year course.
Wood Focus: Wooden Toy Project: Pupils will manufacture a wooden toy
containing a variety of mechanisms, different types of wood and use of wood
joints. A range of wood joining techniques will be researched and considered for
this project.
Plastics Focus: Timer project: Pupils will manufacture a small timing device
that will contain a vacuum formed base, acrylic front and electronic circuit board.
Metal Focus: Mini Plane Project: Pupils will manufacture a mini plane artefact
for wood using a range of tools and machinery.
Design Task: Clock Project: Students are required to design and make a clock
that will incorporate aspects of design eras from the past 100 years. It must also
use a range of different materials and joining techniques.
Towards the end of Year 10 you will begin your GCSE Coursework Folder. ALL of
your Year 10 work will be valuable to help with this and revision for the exam.
You will have practice style exam questions throughout year 10 and 11 set for
homework and in lessons.
Support
Use technologystudents.com for your first point of call when completing any research.
It is designed for students and explains concepts in a clear and understandable way.
The Design and Technology department holds an extra support session after school
(The evening the extra bus service is available – simply inform student services that
you are saying to reserve a seat in advance). These sessions will focus on:
Help with homework
Catch up on class work
Support on a particular topic
Carry out personal projects
Workshops and Technology Staff are available EVERY lunchtime.