The Faculty currently offers 2 GCSE specifications from OCR. Most students study one full course in Design and Technology having selected it as an option, a number of students have opted for both courses. The option pattern has varied between years and the various bands, but currently the courses offered are :-
Textiles Technology – students develop their knowledge of fabrics, and associated materials. Extend their skills for working with such materials, and understanding of the techniques/processes for producing fabric based items.
Link to full specification - Textile Technology
Resistant Materials – students develop their knowledge of wood, metal, plastics. Extend their range skills for working with such materials, and understanding of techniques and processes for forming and joining such materials.
Link to full specification - Resistant Materials
3 x 50-minute periods per week plus one 40-minute homework are allocated to technology during KS4. For both courses students sit 2 terminal examinations (at higher A*-D grade , or foundation C to G grade, level) and have to complete one piece of coursework (equivalent to 40 hours work) to complete the course. Each examination is worth 20% and the coursework 60%, of the marks for the overall grade awarded.
At present, all of the KS4 courses are at GCSE level. However, we are considering alternative Entry Level Certification, which may be offered to lower ability students. Since students now take their options from the start of Y9, we are able to use this extra year to build up their key skills, understanding with a clear focus on raising their capability within the chosen course.