DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY ( DT )
IGCSE COURSE IN DETAIL
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY ( DT )
Course name : IGCSE Design and Technology Exam board : CIE
Two year course . Coursework and end of year 11 exam .
Assessment
For Cambridge IGCSE Design and Technology , pupils take three compulsory components .
COMPONENT 1 ( 25 % of IGCSE )
Paper 1 : Written examination 1 hour , 15 minutes
The questions on this paper relate to the design process . Pupils are expected to write a specification , design concept ideas , evaluate and develop their designs whilst demonstrating an understanding of suitable materials and manufacturing processes .
Externally assessed
COMPONENT 2 ( 25 % of IGCSE ) Paper 2 : Written examination 1 hour
The questions on this paper relate to resistant materials . Pupils are expected to demonstrate an understanding of materials such as wood , metal , plastic , composites , smart materials , manufacturing `techniques , finishes , health and safety and CAD CAM .
Externally assessed
COMPONENT 3 ( 50 % of IGCSE )
Coursework
Pupils focus on the coursework for two terms and submit two pieces of work :
– A3 folder leading up to final outcome ( 70 % of coursework )
– Final practical outcome ( 30 % of coursework ) Internally assessed and externally moderated
Entry requirements
Pupils who wish to study IGCSE design and technology should discuss with their teachers their suitability for the course . A keen interest in the subject is required due to the intensity of the course and the volume of coursework involved . Class sizes for this subject are limited due to health and safety regulations .
Syllabus content
During year 10 pupils will learn how to explore needs , wants and opportunities in the context of designing for a real client . They will further develop flexible and independent thinking and draw upon a wide range of information from first and second hand sources . Pupils will learn how to modify and transform ideas as they design and make accurate judgments on material selections , manufacturing processes , form and function . They will also appreciate and consider environmental issues both locally and globally .
In year 11 , they will design and make a final product for a specific client and need , in preparation for the end of year 11 examination .
Why Design and technology ?
In the first instance , any pupil interested in studying any discipline of design , engineering , or architecture at university should be encouraged to study this IGCSE . In addition , those interested in courses such as advertising , marketing , business or social sciences should also consider the course . Finally , anyone with an interest in the products around us - the clothes we wear , the transport we use , or the activities we do , would learn a great deal about how design shapes the world in which we live and appreciate how it dictates the way we live our lives .
Design & technology gives pupils the opportunity to develop their creativity , their presentation and collaborative skills , whilst learning a broad range of practical skills . The facilities at the College are also a great pull and pupils will experience , first hand , traditional and modern manufacturing techniques including CAD / CAM systems .
Pupils who wish to take the IB design technology course but who have not completed an IGCSE course , will be admitted only at the discretion of the Head of Department and Head of Senior School .
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