Why study Resistant Materials?

Resistant Materials is a Full GCSE course where Wood, Metal and Plastic are used to design and make innovative products. The full course entitles students to extend their studies in Year 12 and 13 into AS and A2 3D Design.

What will I study?

• Designing and making a range of products.
• Graphical communication techniques.
• Specific use of machines and hand tools.
• Computer Aided Design and Manufacture.
• Theory based information related to specific materials.
• Communicating the design process.

What happens in lessons?

The course starts with a skills based module of work, building on and developing the designing skills that were taught during Key Stage 3 Resistant Materials. The course is then delivered through a series of projects, which concentrate on different types of wood, metals and plastics.

The lessons are theory based at the start of the projects and are mainly centred around specific research related to the area of study.  Once the products have been designed, pupils are then given the opportunity to make their product using all the hand tools and machines available in the Design and Technology Faculty. Year 11 will be spent designing and making the final GCSE piece taken from a list given by the AQA exam board.

Contact Mr R Bullock – Head Of Design and Technology Faculty.

What skills will I need?

• Good Drawing skills.
• Competent making skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Innovative ideas.
• A mature, industrious, well behaved approach to working and learning.

How will I be assessed?

60% Coursework in the form of an exam board set project. This current year 11 have been asked to design and make a docking station speaker system. Students will hand in a practical product and 20 A3 design sheet portfolio.

40% 2hr examination using pre released material which will test designing, making and the knowledge of materials and processes used in the workshop.