KS4 Options Booklet 2026-2028 - Flipbook - Page 42
42
Subject
Subject group
Exam Board
Course
Description
GCSE Design and Technology
Technology
AQA
This course will teach you how to use Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing
(CAD/CAM) to design and make products for the 21st Century.
You will learn about why things need to be made, how to create a range of options
for the product user, how to make drawings using CAD, and how to cut your
materials using both hand skills the CAM machines (Laser Cutters, 3D Printing, etc.).
For the NEA (major project), students are given a brief to design and make a good
quality product. The students can use materials such as wood, metals, plastics and
textiles.
Core skills:
● New and emerging technologies
● Energy Storage and Generation
● Modern and Smart Materials
● Mechanical Devices
● Materials and their working properties
Examination
Information
Grades
available
Non Exam
Assessment
Careers
Information
Students will learn these skills through a number of shorter projects that include a
Hardback Book Design, a Celebrity-Inspired Writing Tool and Presentation Box.
50%
2 hour written exam in Summer 2026
9-1
50%
June 2024 through to March 2026
This course and the skills learnt are suitable for all creative disciplines. Computer
Aided Design is relevant now and is required, in industry, to design products as
small as mobile phones to large projects like oil rigs and skyscrapers.
This qualification would be of use to anyone thinking of taking Design and
Technology, Product Design, Engineering, Art and Design, Graphic Design or
Architecture at 8A9 Level, Diploma and Degree.
Further details
Staff Contact
The commercial world of design and engineering in the future is going to be
dominated by those who have great Computer Aided Design Skills, and those with
excellent coding skills.
More information available on
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technolo
gy-8552
Mr P Cain, Head of Technology
phil.cain@rmays.com
