One main project must be produced over the two years and submitted for the coursework assessment. The main purpose of the project is to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do in relation to the technological process.

We use CCEA as our examination board.

Pupils study systems and control and there are two elements: electronic and microelectronic control systems (PIC Microcontrollers).

The Design and Technology examination comprises of:

Unit 1            Core Examination                                                                                   25%
Unit 2            Systems & Control Examination                                                              25%
Unit 3            Design and Make Controlled Assessment Task                                      50%
This consists of a design folder (10 pages) worth 25%; and a final Product, also worth 25%

The teaching strategy adopted in Design & Technology is mainly that of ‘Problem Solving’.  A problem is identified, an investigation and research approach is adopted, a solution is designed, manufactured and evaluated. Year 11 is used to embed understanding of new concepts and techniques whilst Year 12 is focused on the production of the controlled assessment task.

This is offered by the school as a relevant, worthwhile examination. We use CCEA as our examination board. This subject is now a widely recognised qualification by most Universities who consider it to be a solid foundation on which to build further academic achievements particularly in combination with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science.

The structures of the AS and A Level courses are summarised in the table below.

Coursework is an essential part of these examinations with it making up 50% of the AS and 50% of the full A level.

Year 13
Unit AS 1: Product Design and Systems and Control
This unit is a study of product design including materials and their processing with an area of systems and control. Pupils will study Section A: Product Design and Practice and a specialist area of systems and control in Section B: Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems.

Unit AS 2: Coursework: Product Development
The emphasis in this unit is on the analysis and development of an existing product, with a view to re-designing either the product or an aspect of it. Pupils will produce a 3-dimensional model or prototype which represents the practical outcome of the product analysis and development. A portfolio should accompany the practical component with written and graphical information produced on not more than ten A3 sheets.  Pupils can present the portfolio in electronic format.

This unit draws on the knowledge and skills in Unit 1 and should represent approximately 45 hours of work. It will be internally assessed and externally moderated.

Year 14
Unit A2 1: Systems and Control – An in-depth study of Systems and Control in Section A: Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems.

Unit A2 2: Coursework: Product-system, Design and Manufacture

Candidates will be required to design and manufacture a technological product or system. The technological prototype must have an energy source to make it function and include a control system comprising input, process and output. A portfolio should accompany the practical component with written and graphical information produced on not more the 20 A3 pages. Pupils can present the portfolio in an electronic format.

This unit draws on the knowledge and skills covered in all units but must reflect the chosen option in A2 Unit 1: it represents approximately 60 hours of work and will be internally assessed and externally moderated.

Facilities
The high level of ICT integration into the subject means that the Department has a cluster of 26 PCs with software appropriate to the design and production of complex electronically based project work. Solidworks, Circuit Wizard and Techsoft 2-D Design form the main group of programs which are used in conjunction with the Laser Cutter, 3-D Printer, CNC Router and CNC Vinyl Cutters to produce high quality products.

Opportunities Beyond AS and A Level
Having successfully completed Technology and Design at A level pupils are encouraged to proceed to higher education courses.  Many pupils have found this subject to be extremely beneficial if they intend to follow a course in Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautical, Electrical, Electronic and Production), Product Design, Architecture, Environmental Health, Housing Management, Information & Communication Technologies, Multimedia Design, Quantity Surveying or related fields either at University or College of Education.

Extra-Curricular Links
The RSD Drama Society Productions rely heavily on lighting, sound and stage construction involvement from T&D pupils in Years 12-14.

The Department also co-collaborates with the Physics Department in the Young Engineers programme.