Design & Technology: Food Technology
This area will allow candidates to specialise in the focus area of food technology where they will learn about designing and making a saleable food product by applying knowledge and understanding to develop and modify existing products.

 Candidates are required to submit a substantial coursework folder including evidence of practical work.

Design & Technology: Resistant Materials Technology 

This area allows candidates to carry out designing and making activities through metal, plastics and wood.  The specification is flexible enough to allow the use of electronics as a complement to a resistant material, but the resistant material(s) should form the dominant feature in project work.

Candidates are required to submit a design folder and a 3-dimensional outcome. 

Irrespective of which option is chosen, both girls and boys are able to study either aspect of Technology at GCSE whatever their ability. 
It must be stressed that each subject will involve practical work and parents will be asked to supply the necessary ingredients, materials and equipment.

 Assessment of each of the GCSE courses on offer is:

 Controlled Assessment                   60% - one major project

The coursework project will be internally assessed and externally moderated.  Throughout the project candidates should address the industrial and commercial practices, and the moral, social, cultural and environmental issues arising from their work.

Examination                         40% - one tier of entry     1 x 2 hour examination

During Key stage 3 students explore a number of topics within the media of Food and Resistant Materials.

In Year 7 and 8 pupils create projects using simple electronic circuits and work with a range of different materials. They explore the use of computer control and manufacture. Students learn the basic principles of Health and Safety and have experience of basic practical Food and Resistant materials as a foundation for design work. 
Pupils go on to develop design ideas and work from detailed plans, modifying then where appropriate. They work with a greater range of tools, materials, ingredients, equipment, components and equipment. Themes are revisited and expanded and projects are also produced which involve simple mechanical processes.

At the end of Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to opt for their preferred Technology subject to be studied throughout Year 9. At the end of year 8 all pupils will have had the opportunity to achieve the licence to cook certificate.

In Year 9 pupils study their preferred Technology subject to either GCSE or at a foundation level in preparation for future GCSE option choices.

Pupils who have achieved a good grading at a GCSE Technology subject during Year 9 (Early Entry) or Year 10 will be offered the opportunity to undertake:

AS Level - Food Technology
AS Level - Product Design.

Please ask for further details.