If you are creative and imaginative, a GCSE in Textiles will enable you to develop skills in designing and making textiles and costumes, as well as many transferable skills.
Construction & the Built Environment (Vocational)
A Technical Award in Construction is a great choice for practical, hands on students with an interest in construction careers or DIY.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
MR O JEFFERSON (Course Leader)
EXAMINATION BOARD:
WJEC
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Technical award
WEBSITE
Course outline
This course is suitable for students who are interested in the construction industry as a career or who are just interested in having great DIY skills for the future. The course should suit pupils who enjoy practical tasks such as:
Wood e.g. hang a door, make a frame, attach a skirting-board, create a timber stud wall
Decorate e.g. emulsion a surface, gloss a panel door, paper an internal corner or around a switch
Tiling e.g. floor and wall, patch repair
Blockwork e.g. bricklaying and repointing
The course suits those with a general interest in the subject and a commitment to work hard. The course is 60% practical and 40% theory, so writing, IT and presentation skills will also be valuable. An ability to measure (mm) accurately and use hand tools safely is desirable.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | External | Exam - 'Introduction to the built environment.' |
| 2 | 60% | Internal | Practical assessment of skills such as wood, tiling and decorating |
The future
The successful completion of this qualification, together with other equivalent qualifications, such as in Maths and the Sciences, could provide you with opportunities to access a range of qualifications including A-levels, apprenticeships, vocationally related and occupational qualifications in the construction industry.
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Architecture
Architecture is designed for students who enjoy learning through design, students will learn a range of design skills over two years.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
MR O JEFFERSON (Course Leader)
EXAMINATION BOARD:
WJEC Educas
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Technical award
Course outline
The course will provide you with an overview of the construction industry and the many roles within it. Part of the course provides an insight into the work of professionals that work in the industry such as Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Civil Engineers through to a wide variety of skilled trades people. As part of the design element of the course, you will learn the role of an Architect in the construction process and their roles and responsibilities withing the industry.
Essential qualities and skills needed:
Students will learn:
There are two assements. Theory exam is 1hr 30, along with your 30 hour design exam.
The main skills and attributed required to be successful on this course include: Excellent listening skills, dexterity and an eye for detail and the ability to take real pride in your learning for both design outcomes and theory notes. Having the ability to rise to a practical challenge and practice a practical skill are key to being successful on this course.
Design drawing skills
Computer aided Design (4D skills)
Building regulation legislation
Construction management
Why ARCHITECTURE?
If you enjoy practical work and mastering new practical skills this course will suit you. The course is centred around learning new practical skills that are linked to the building industry. This course is designed for students who enjoy learning in a practical learning environment and tackling new skills.
The future
Careers in the architecture and engineering are clearly linked to this course. It can be a natural spring board into higher / further education for a professional role or alternatively, training as an apprentice in one of the many trades in the industry. Careers include, Architecture, Building Control, Civil Engineering and Estate management.
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Hospitality and Catering (Vocational)
Good food brings people together. Studying Vocational Hospitality and Catering will not only provide you with practical skills for a career in catering, but a lifelong skill that will bring you health and enjoyment.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
MR O JEFFERSON (Course Leader)
EXAMINATION BOARD:
WJEC
LEVEL:
Level 1/2 Technical award
WEBSITE
Course outline
Vocational Hospitality and Catering is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. The course has a large written element as well as plenty of food preparation; students should only choose this course if they enjoy both these elements.
At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students’ practical skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:
Food, nutrition and health
Food science
Food safety
Food choice
Food provenance
Students should demonstrate good organisational skills and time planning. They should enjoy studying food at KS3 and love cooking. There is an expectation that students will provide their own ingredients for this course.
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40% | Exam | Written exam – 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| 2 | 60% | Internal | Controlled Assessment: Approximately 12 hours |
The future
Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, or embark on an apprenticeship or full time career in the catering or food industries. They will also develop vital life skills so that they can feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously.
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Product Design
A creative and practical GCSE in Product Design will develop design thinking and problem solving, as well as skills working in wood, metals, plastics, electronics and more.
Course outline
The GCSE course is excellent for pupils who have enjoyed all elements of Design and Technology at key stage 3. Pupils will be examined on their knowledge of a range of materials; Wood, Metals, Plastics, Fabrics, as well as Electronics and Structures. Pupils will also have the opportunity to explore a design challenge and create a product that they have designed. This course is great for pupils who enjoy being creative; using both sketching by hand, using the computer and practical skills in wood, metal and plastic to design and make a product.
Students should show a general interest in the subject and a commitment to work hard on the folder work and theory as well as the manufacturing of products.
“I love Product Design because it allows me to be creative and build things I otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”
Assessment method
| Unit | % of Final Grade | Type of Assessment | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | Exam | Principles of Design & Technology – 2 hours exam |
| 2 - 3 | 50% | Internal | Iterative Design Challenge |
The future
This course can lead into A-level or Vocational (entry requirement grade 5 at GCSE) and then courses in Further and Higher Education in many areas of design including product, furniture, automotive, architecture and engineering.