Sixth Form Options Booklet

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W Y H Tang Head of Design, Engineering & Technology wtang@mtsn.org.uk

The A Level course is made up of two assessed components: a written examination and an ‘Independent Design and Make’ project. In addition to assessed work, during the Lower Sixth, boys undertake short design and make challenges. Although they do not count towards the A Level itself, they do offer the boys a chance to really explore Design and Technology without

the demands of having to produce a large, assessed portfolio. Who can take Design and Technology?

The course is particularly suited to boys who have studied GCSE Design & Technology. Minor projects undertaken in the first term give all students the chance to develop abilities in areas that extend their GCSE experience. The projects at A Level are truly independent and boys can choose to solve problems that interest them, making their project choices personal. Many boys also opt to deliver projects that are relevant to their University study, which is a good way to enhance UCAS applications. Component One (Written examinations) Boys undertake theory lessons regularly during the two-year course and sit one written examination at the end of Upper Sixth. Boys will be required to apply their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials, including modern and smart materials, alongside processes used in commercial design and manufacture. Boys will be required to develop an understanding of contemporary industrial and commercial practices, and to appreciate the risks involved. Boys will also develop good working knowledge of health and safety procedures and relevant legislation relating to the subject. It is also worth noting that at least 15% of the examinations will be made up of applied mathematics questions. Component Two - Independent Design and Make Projects In addition to the smaller projects in the Lower Sixth, the NEA (coursework) element in the Upper Sixth is a substantial ‘design, make and evaluate’ project which will teach boys a range of higher order thinking skills and require them to design and make a fully working prototype. Boys will identify a user centred design possibility from which they will develop a range of potential solutions for and then realise one through practical making activities. To conclude, A Level Design and Technology prepares boys for degree courses and careers in a wide range of Design and Engineering based disciplines. The use of industry standard Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing methods available at MTS, alongside the real-world application of material manipulation, the application of Mathematics and Science to solve context-based design tasks in an iterative way, gives our boys a head start in the majority of University courses. As well as obvious links with Mathematics and Physics, there are also firm cross-curricular links with subjects such as Computing, Economics, Chemistry and Geography.