Examining Board – AQA
Design & Technology offers students the exciting opportunity to develop modern technological skills through the design and manufacture of high quality products. The students gain great personal satisfaction from developing their own ideas into real products and are inspired by working with a range of materials of their choice.
The practical and theoretical problem solving processes undertaken throughout the course encourage independent learning, creativity and innovation.
At Rainford College we offer 4 different technology options, all of which follow the AQA specification.
The four subject areas are very similar in the way they are organised and assessed but have very different subject content.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY SUBJECTS
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
The Food Technology course requires students to think creatively. Students are guided through a number of ‘design and make it’ tasks. These tasks are initially set by course tutor but the coursework in C1 and C2 are student set. Past students have worked on a wide variety of coursework design briefs ranging from designing and making breakfast croissants, party products, pasta based desserts and a wide range of multi cultural food products to name just a few. Students are encouraged to design and develop a ‘new’ food product showing innovation and creativity in their coursework.
The other element of the Food Technology course is based on Food Science where students develop their understanding of the functions and working properties of nutrients. This unit is delivered through research, discussion and experimental work.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students should normally aim to have a GCSE in Technology at grade B or above but we welcome all students with a genuine interest, enthusiasm and commitment to the subject.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
AS Level
Module 1 – Materials and Components
- Externally assessed examination covering the full range of materials, components and manufacturing processes available to the student, worth 30% of the AS marks
- This is worth 15% of the A2 marks if the course is continued
Module 2 – Coursework
- Internally assessed and externally moderated
- This is a design and manufacture project of your choice (within guidelines), worth 40% of the AS marks
- This is worth 20% of the A2 marks if the course is continued
Module 3 – Design and Market Influences
- Externally assessed examination, worth 30% of the AS marks
- This is worth 15% of the A2 marks if the course is continued
- This is a design paper on a pre-prepared topic/theme
A2 Level
Module 4 – Product Study
- This involves you choosing a product already available and studying the designing and manufacture of the product in detail, culminating in a 2000 word assignment
- This is worth 15% of the final award and is externally assessed
Module 5 – Coursework
- Internally assessed and externally moderated
- This is a design and manufacture project of your choice
- This is worth 15% of your final award
Module 6 – Subject content Exam
- A 3 hour externally assessed examination paper consisting of a range of materials, design, and manufacturing questions.
METHODS OF STUDY
Study methods revolve around a ‘hands on’ approach, where students work on individual and group assignments. Students develop their skills through a range of teaching strategies, which include:
- Practical activities
- Experimental work
- Product Analysis and Sensory Analysis work
- Use of a range of ICT applications
- Group discussion and with course tutor
- Presentation of work
- Written exercises