GCSE (for first teaching in 2009) Design and Technology: Resistant Materials - J306

Units

We've summarised the course details and the assessment objectives for GCSE Design and Technology: Innovator Suite.

The following applies to all Innovator Suite subjects: Electronics and Control Systems, Food Technology, Graphics, Industrial Technology, Resistant Materials and Textiles Technology.

Unit title and description

Assessment
incl. duration

Weighting
Unit 1: Introduction to Designing and Making
  • Developing research and investigation skills
  • Developing drawing skills
  • Modelling
  • Evaluating process.

Internally assessed

Controlled assessment

20 hours

60 marks

30% full course

60% short course
Unit 2: Sustainable Design
  • Consideration of products
  • Consideration of the environment
  • Consideration of society and the economy.

Externally assessed

Written examination

1 hour

60 marks

20% full course

40% short course
Unit 3: Making Quality Products
  • Designing for a need
  • Working with tools and equipment
  • Evaluating the product.

Internally assessed

Controlled assessment

20 hours

60 marks

30% full course
Unit 4: Technical Aspects of Designing and Making
  • Working with tools and materials
  • Selecting processes
  • Designing for success.

Externally assessed

Written examination

1 hour 15 minutes

60 marks

20% full course

Short courses

All Design and Technology: Innovator Suite subjects are available as short courses, equivalent to half a GCSE. Benefits of a short course include:

  • There are only two units to complete.
  • Learners who are interested in Design and Technology: Innovator Suite courses, but don't have time to study a full course, have more learning options.
  • Learners can study a wider range of subjects.
  • Timetabling for shorter courses may be easier for your centre.
  • More able learners can complement their studies by taking the Design and Technology: Innovator Suite short course as an additional subject.
  • The short course offers more flexibility – learners can study it over one or two years.
  • You can teach two GCSE short courses from the Innovator Suite, covering different material biases.
  • You can start teaching the short course in Year 9.
  • Learners who enjoy the short course and want to carry on studying the subject can simply complete units 3 and 4 of the specification to complete the full GCSE.
  • Two short courses in Design and Technology may appeal to learners with a preference or aptitude for designing and making prototypes – topics covered in the first two units. This offers an alternative to designing and making a final product – topics covered in units 3 and 4 of the full GCSE.

Assessment objectives

The assessment objectives are designed to reflect the non-statutory guidelines for Design and Technology: Innovator Suite.

Learners are expected to demonstrate the following in the context of the content described:

AO1

Recall, select and communicate their knowledge and understanding in design and technology, including its wider effects.

AO2

Apply knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of contexts and in designing and making products.

AO3

Analyse and evaluate products, including their design and production.