Design & Technology: Key Stage 5
Lower Sixth Course Information
Examination Board: Edexcel
Examination Specification: AS Graphic Products
Course Code: Unit 1 6GR01
Course Code: Unit 2 6GR02
Duration: 1 Year
Qualification Award: A2 Graphic Products
Link to examination board: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/dt/product/Pages/default.aspx
Unit 1 Overview
Unit 1: 6GRO1 Portfolio of Creative Skills
In this unit, you have the opportunity to develop your creative, technical and practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities. The unit is divided into three different sections: product investigation, product design and product manufacture. Each of these sections is separate and is not dependant on the other two, as opposed to one extended coursework project. All of the skills developed in this unit will be put to great use in the full design and make exercise in Unit 4: Commercial Design at A2 level.
Unit 1 Coursework Guide
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Unit 1: Portfolio of Creative Skills
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Sections:
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Sub-sections:
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Product investigation
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Performance analysis
Materials and/or components
Manufacture
Quality
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Product design
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Design and development
Communicate
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Product manufacture
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Production plan
Making
Testing
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Unit 1 Assessment
60% of the total marks (30% of the full GCE)
90 marks
Internal assessment: Internally set and marked by the college and externally moderated by Edexcel.
You produce one portfolio that contains evidence of product investigation, product design and product manufacture. Photographic evidence must be supplied for the product(s) you have made.
Unit 2 Overview
Unit 2: 6GRO2 Design and Technology in Practise
In this unit, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials and processes used in the field of design and technology. It is important for you, as designers, to learn about materials and processes so that you can develop a greater understanding of how products can be designed and manufactured. You will also learn about industrial and commercial practices, the importance of quality control checks and health and safety issues that have to be considered at all times.
Unit 2 Revision Guide
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Unit 2: Design and Technology in Practice
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Sections:
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Sub-sections:
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Materials and components
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Materials:
Paper and board
Metals
Polymers
Woods
Composites
Modern materials and products
Smart materials
Components
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Industrial and commercial practice
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Scale of production
Graphical communication
Computer-generated graphics
Modelling and prototyping
Joining techniques
Industrial and commercial processes
Forming techniques
Finishing processes
Printing processes
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Quality
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Quality assurance systems and quality control in production
Quality standards
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Health and safety
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Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
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Unit 2 Assessment
40% of the total marks (20% of the full GCE).
70 marks
1 Hour 30 minutes
External assessment: Examination set and marked by Edexcel.
You complete question and answer booklet, consisting of short-answer and extended-writing type question.
Upper Sixth
Examination Board: Edexcel
Examination Specification: A2 Graphic Products
Course Code: Unit 3 6GR03
Course Code: Unit 4 6GR04
Duration: 2 Years (Including AS year)
Qualification Award: A2 Graphic Products
Link to examination board: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/gce08/dt/product/Pages/default.aspx
Unit 3 Overview
Unit 3:6GR03 Design for the Future
In this unit, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of modern design and manufacturing practices and contemporary design issues. The modern designer must have a good working knowledge of the use of information and communication technology (ICT) and systems and control technology in the design and manufacture of products. They must also be aware of the important contributions of designers from the past, which may provide inspiration for the future.
It is increasingly important that you develop an awareness of the impact of design and technological activities upon the environment. Sustainable product design is a key feature of modern design practice.
Unit 3 Revision Guide
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Unit 3: Design and Technology in Practice
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Sections:
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Sub-sections:
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Industrial and commercial
practice
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Information and communication technology (ICT)
Digital special effects
Biotechnology
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Systems and control
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Manufacturing systems
Computer integrated manufacture (CIM)
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Flow charts
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Design in context
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The effects of technological changes on society
Influences of design history on the development of products
Form and function
Anthropometrics and ergonomics
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Sustainability
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Life cycle assessment (LCA)
Cleaner design and technology
Minimising waste production
Renewable and non-renewable sources of energy
Responsibilities of developed countries
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Unit 3 Assessment
40% of A2 course
20% of the full GCE
70 marks
2 Hours
External assessment: Examination set and marked by Edexcel.
You complete question and answer booklet, consisting of short-answer and extended-writing type question.
Unit 4 Overview
Unit 4: 6GRO4 Commercial Design
In this unit, you are given the opportunity to apply the skills you have acquired and developed throughout this course of study, and to design and make a product of your choice that complies with the requirements of a Graphic Products project. You are encouraged to be creative and adventurous in your work. Throughout this project you are expected to take ownership of all aspects of your work, and to take total control of your responses with your teacher as a facilitator. You are strongly advised to target assessment criteria effectively in order to maximise your achievements.
Unit 4 Coursework Guide
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Unit 4: Commercial Design
Sections:
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Sections:
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Sub-sections:
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Product design and make
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Research and analysis
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Product specification
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Design and development:
Design
Review
Develop
Communicate
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Planning
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Making:
Use of tools and equipment
Quality
Complexity/ level of demand
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Testing and evaluating
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Unit 4 Assessment
60% of the total marks
90 marks
Internal assessment: Internally set and marked by the college and externally moderated by Edexcel.
You design and make a product. This is evidenced in your design folder with photographic evidence of you making the product(s) and of the final product itself.
Coursework/Deadline Policy
Throughout the course, mini deadlines will be set for each piece of coursework. It is extremely important that all deadlines are met, as failure to do so will both hinder progress onto the next stage and lower attainment levels.
If a deadline is not met the department will follow the procedure set out below to ensure that students complete any outstanding work.
- One hour after school detention on Wednesdays from 15:35-16:35
- A letter home to inform parents/guardians that a coursework deadline has not been met.
- A coursework issue notice will be sent to the Head of House
- Meeting with parent will be arranged to deal with the late deadline issue
- Attendance to catch up session on a weekly basis
Homework Duration
KS5
Homework will consist of draft coursework and revision
L6 homework will consist 5 hours per week
U6 homework will consist 5 hours per week
Other Relevant Information
Department Rewards
- Rewards are in line with St Ambrose College house point system.
- Letters home to inform parents of exceptional work
Health and Safety issues
Due to the nature of the subject risk assessments are carried out on an ongoing and individual basis. No pupil is allowed in close proximity to any tool or machinery unless all staff are confident of their readiness to use them safely at that time. Demonstrations are given to all students on all tools and equipment.
Tools are stored safely as appropriate to the site. The school site has a designated, locked, workshop where tools are kept. Some tools are clearly visible, accessible and have a designated position. All tools are checked and returned immediately at the end of the lesson.
Pupils are responsible for returning them after use and the safe return of all tools is confirmed before pupils leave the room.