The subject Common Core content is divided into four main areas.  All students should have a working knowledge and understanding of:

Designing

Communicating

Manufacturing

Using Energy & Control

Four Energy & Control Specialist options are available for Higher Tier Students:

Computer Systems and Control

Electronic Systems and Control

Mechanical Systems and Control

Pneumatic Systems and Control

All students are entered for the higher tier of examination – grades available A* - D (E)

Examination Paper       2 hours 30 minutes                  40%

Coursework Activity 1   Focused Tasks                        10%

Coursework Activity 2   Design Project                         50%

Focused Tasks are activities undertaken as part of normal teaching and learning where students are practising particular skills and developing knowledge and understanding associated with specific aspects of the course.  The Focused Tasks target the following specific assessment objectives:

Designing                      5%

Communicating              5%

They are internally assessed and externally moderated.

The Design Project is identified and completed by the student.  The manufactured product will be accompanied by a portfolio and/or equivalent appropriate ICT evidence, which will include

both written and graphical material detailing the design and development of the product.

It is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Post 16 - AS/A Level Technology & Design

Students follow the CCEA AS/A Level Technology & Design Specification.

Students wishing to study Technology and Design AS or A Level should have attained an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade at GCSE Technology & Design, have a good physical science background and be competent in mathematics.

Students should have a strong interest in designing, modelling, making and evaluating products or systems and an interest in the processes and products of design and technological activity.

Outline Of course

The specification offers students opportunities to acquire and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the world of designing and making and to demonstrate their own technological capabilities through the design and making of quality outcomes whether conceived as products or systems within products.  Students will be made aware of the responsibilities that designers and technologists have to mankind through an understanding of the potentials and hazards inherent in technological advance, change and decision making.

Students will have the opportunity to study the following:

Identification of opportunities for design and technological activity

The design and making of artefacts/products and/or systems

Materials technology appropriate to the production of products or systems

Components as appropriate, within systems - electrical, electronic,

Pneumatic, mechanical and interfaces

A range of manufacturing methods, and their systems of control

Industrial and commercial practices

Social, moral, cultural and ethnic dimensions that relate to technological decisions

Constraints that economic and ergonomic factors place on designing and making of products

Systems

Examination Board Assessment

The Advanced Subsidiary AS forms 50% of the assessment of the full Advanced Level.  It is assessed at a standard between GCSE and A Level and can be taken as a stand-alone subject or as part of the full A level course.

Candidates take 3 Units for AS in the first year of study and a further 3 for A2 in the second year of study.

AS and A2 combined constitute the full Advanced Level Specification.

Students must follow the AS course before progressing to A2.