Systems and Control

Systems and Control

Sam Richardson's Electro-Pneumatic can crusher. Sam won the Systems and Control KS4 Award for 2008

Systems and Control

George Andrews' Mechanical can crusher

KEY STAGE 3

In Year 9, students study specific modules that demonstrate the individual characteristics of the Design Technology disciplines we offer at GCSE. The purpose of this is so they can make informed choices at GCSE. The content of these courses is reviewed annually in line with the changes in the GCSE specifications.

At the end of the year students complete an enterprise task called Sustainable Souvenirs where they work in teams to produce a batch of sustainable souvenirs for a local organisation such as The National Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority or Tropiquaria


 KEY STAGE 4 

Systems and Control GCSE

This course has been selected for the opportunities it gives to study a range of different control systems. The subject content covers knowledge about a range of different materials: electronics, mechanisms, structures, pneumatics, hydraulics, energy production, computer control and health and safety issues, although the focus is on electronics.

This is a single tiered course allowing students to achieve the full range of grades fron A*-G and is made up of four units:

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Designing and Making (30% of the overall marks)
  • Unit 2: Sustainable Design (20% of the overall marks)
  • Unit 3: Making Quality Products (30% of the overall mark)
  • Unit 4: Tecnical aspects of Design and Making (20% of the overall mark)



KEY STAGE 5

The new OCR Design Technology A Level has been designed to meet the needs of all students studying Design Technology. Students studying any one of the five GCSE disciplines we offer will find opportunities for extended study in this course.

The course comprises four units:

  • Unit 1: Advanced Innovation Challenge. Worth 20% of the A level, this is a six hour design and make activity

  • Unit 2: Product Study. Worth 30%. this is an opportunity to develop a remodelled product

  • Unit 3: Design, make and Evaluate. Worth 30% this is an opportunity to design and make a new product for a client.

  • Unit 4: Product Design. Worth 20%, this is a written exam with questiond specific to the intersts of the students - i.e. food, systems, textiles, engineering etc