GCSE Electronic Products Pathway 1 & 2

This aspect of technology for girls as well as boys concentrates upon electronic product design in conjunction with appropriate materials (e.g. wood, metal, plastic, textiles) used to package the electronics. A problem solving approach will be applied to all of the projects set for the students. The knowledge andunderstanding content of the course will reflect designing and making through computer generated modelling and circuit board production as well as vacuum formed to your own design.

Building upon Key Stage 3 electronics, students will develop further ICT circuits leading to time delays, latching circuits, decode counters and logic gates. P.I.C’s will be part of new developments in electronics and eventually form part of the final project.

Calculations using a range of formulae will be expected throughout the course. Students should be reasonably confident of their mathematics ability.

Regular work at home will be expected to satisfy the demands of the course. A contribution towards component costs will also be required. In some instances pupils may have to cover the entire cost of a particular component if they choose to use it; this may occur particularly in the final projects.

For the examination assessment, students will choose a suitable project from a list of problems which will account for 60% of the marks. The projects will consist of a project folder and a completed product which integrates the use of electronics and constructional materials.

Work will start on the project during the Summer term of Year 10 for completion by mid March of the examination year. Much of the research/investigation will be completed in the students own time as homework. The final folder work will be completed in school as a controlled assessment.

It is important that all students have a basic geometry set and pencil crayons for use at home.

A 'sit down' examination will account for the remaining 40% of the marks. It will assess problem solving abilities related to realistic situations and draw upon the knowledge and understanding acquired during the course.

Students who follow the GCSE in Electronic Products will have the opportunity to develop enterprise skills such as:

• Team Work
• Risk
• Effective communication
• Creativity & innovation
• 'Can-do’ attitude
• Initiative
• Organising & planning
• Problem solvingLeadership
• Product & service design

GCSE Product Design Pathways 1 & 2

This course replaces Resistant Materials and Graphic Products. There is an expectation of pupils being prepared to produce computer generated designs and computer controlled manufacture.

Pro Desk Top and 2D Design, the micro router and CAMM1 sheet material cutter are examples of software and hardware used.

You will work with different materials. Students must show an ability to work with card and at least one other material; wood, metal or plastic.

The emphasis is on the development of designs through a process of, prototyping, testing and adapting ideas through problem solving. Only then can a final product be realised.

We seek to encourage the positive use of imagination related to the mixed use of materials and technologies. This is achieved through a logical and orderly problem solving approach. The solutions to projects will come about as a result of:-

• Researching the problems in detail
• Presenting thoughts and ideas through sketches, notes and where appropriate, 2D/3D modelling and computer graphics
• Practical workshop experience
• Leading to accurate work of quality and suitability

Projects will follow a common theme but will be open ended enough to allow each individual scope to develop his/her abilities.

Mini projects will be set concentrating upon technologies related to graphic design, mechanisms, control, structures and industrially produced products.

Work at home will be expected to satisfy the demands of the subjects. This will involve personal research and investigation related to the design process.
It is important that all students have a basic geometry set and pencil crayons for use at home.

For the Examination Assessment a coursework project chosen by the student from a suitable list of problem solving situations will account for 60% of the marks. The project will consist of a project folder and a completed product. This will be undertaken from July in Year 10 and be completed by mid March of Year 11.

Much of the research and investigation will be completed in the student's own time as homework. The final folder work will be completed in school as a controlled assessment. Every effort will be made to ensure that you have access to the appropriate workshop for your chosen project and to modern computer controlled technology

A 'sit down' examination will account for the remaining 40% of the marks. This will assess problem solving capability, with knowledge and understanding of the work covered by the course.

Students who follow the GCSE Product Design will get the opportunity to develop enterprise skills such as:

• Team Work
• Risk
• Negotiating & Influencing
• Effective communication
• Creativity & innovation
• ‘Can-do’ attitude
• Initiative
• Organising & planning
• Problem solving
• Product & service design

GCSE Food Pathways 1 & 2

This aspect of technology involves the study of food under three main headings with the emphasis on designing and making.

Food production

• Looking at existing food products, stages of food product design, development and production and manufacturing systems.
• Adapting existing products and developing own products.
• Consideration of packaging, labelling and costing.

Food as a material

• Composition, structure and properties of food.
• Characteristics of food.
• Effect of temperature, processing and storage on food.

Food manufacture and processing

• Effect of combining different ingredients together and the effect of preparation and cooking of food.
• Structures and shape of foods.
• The use of ingredients and their alternatives.
• Selection and use of equipment, preparation and preservation methods including health and hygene issues.

The G.C.S.E. examination consists of coursework which is a
designing and making project which gains 60% of the final mark, taking about 25 hours of supervised time.

The written examination accounts for 40% of the final mark and is again based on designing and making.

Pupils will be expected to provide ingredients, so that they can participate in practical lessons.

In year 10 a wide variety of practical products and skills are covered.

In year 11 the practical work is an important part of the coursework project.

Students following the GCSE Food course will have the opportunity to develop enterprise skills such as.

• Risk
• Effective communication
• Creativity & innovation
• ‘Can-do’ attitude
• Initiative
• Organising & planning
• Problem solving
• Financial capability
• Product & service design

GCSE Textiles Pathways 1 & 2

This aspect of technology includes the study of textiles through fashion and/or furnishing.

Pupils will learn how to design and make, using fabric to its full advantage.

Topics include:-

• Fibres - natural, synthetic and smart
• Fabrics - woven, knitted and bonded
• Fabric finishes
• Components and their use in production of products
• Fabric enhancement - dying, printing, appliqué, beads and sequins
• Industrial manufacturing - mass production techniques
• Quality assurance and control
• Health and safety.

This course has a largely practical base with supporting written content.

In Year 11 the focus is coursework, which accounts for 60% of the final examination mark, and is a project based on designing and making, including a design folio and finished textile product.

This will take 40 - 50 hours of supervised time.

The written examination accounts for 40% of the final mark.

Pupils will be expected to provide fabric for the completion of their year 11 coursework.

Students following the GCSE Textiles course will get the opportunity to develop enterprise skills such as:

• Risk
• Effective communication
• Creativity & innovation
• ‘Can-do’ attitude
• Initiative
• Organising & planning
• Problem solving
• Product & service design

Health & Social Care Pathway 1 & 2

Students can study a BTEC First in Health and Social Care to Certificate or diploma level.

The BTEC Certificate is delivered in three lessons per week. Students must complete 3 units to gain a qualification which is equivalent to 2 GCSEs at grade C or above. 

The BTEC Diploma is delivered in 6 lessons per week. Students must complete 6 units to gain a qualification which is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grade C or above.

In order to be successful in BTEC Health and Social Care students must complete assignments in the units they study. There are no exams in this subject. Assignments are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

BTEC First: Certificate

Students studying for a certificate will complete assignments in the following areas:

• Unit 1 - Communication and Individual Rights
• Unit 2 - Individual Needs Within Health and Social Care Sectors
• Unit 5 - Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care.

BTEC First: Diploma

Students studying for a diploma must complete assignments 1, 2 and 5 and further assignments in the following areas:

• Unit 6 - Human Lifespan Development
• Unit 8 - Working in the Health and Social Care Sector
• Unit 9 - The Impact of Diet on Health.

The assignments are related to activities carried out in the real world so this course gives you practical skills that are really useful.

Students gaining BTEC Health & Social Care have a good starting point for jobs in the care services such as nursing, social worker, care assistant and working with children.

If you think that this course could shape your future, see your tutor, or careers adviser to discuss the options available to you.

Students who follow the BTEC Health & Social Care will get the opportunity to develop enterprise skills such as:

• Team Work
• Negotiating & Influencing
• Effective communication
• Creativity
• ‘Can-do’ attitude
• Initiative
• Organising & planning
• Problem solving
• Making ethical decisions