Resistant Materials

Teachers

• Mr J. Arnot (Subject leader)
• Miss L Barnacle

KS3: Years 7 & 8

Students are taught the following:

• To work safely in the workshop
• To use hand tools and machinery safely
• To research similar products and materials
• To disassemble, analyse and evaluate existing products
• To design, critically evaluate, adapt/modify and make a functional product
• Produce working drawings and a plan of manufacture.

KS4: Years 9-11 (GCSE)

In KS4, the following topics are covered:

• Industrial practices
• Health and safety
• Research, designing and specifications
• Prototype development & modifications, manufacturing.
• Product evaluation
• Marketing
• Quality control
• ICT
• The effects of production on the environment.

The use of information technology in industry is demonstrated in the workshop with the use of computer assisted design and manufacture, and the use of computers in quality control and a sale is also explored.

Post 16

Year 12 (A/S)

Post 16 work follows on from KS4 but gives more focus on existing designs and designers, problem solving using various design principles and techniques including CAD/CAM and CIM. Students undertake a design and make project based on a theme of their own choosing. The reason for this is to make the transition from GCSE to A Level less arduous by allowing the students to interact and share information. During this period, a series of theory lessons is integrated into the coursework structure enabling students to cover the specifications set by the board at the time that is relevant to their projects.

Assessment is carried out by coursework and two 1½ hours examinations which test students on materials, components and their design skills.

Year 13 (A2)

This follows a similar pattern, although this time each student will design for a client. This is designed to stretch students in designing and completing a project that is marketable and/or suitable for industrial production.

A further unit is undertaken in which the students will carry out an in-depth study of a product of their choice. This focuses on design and technological developments that have led the product to its position in the retail market, as well as the direction it will/could take.

A final 3 hour exam structured around materials and components, design and market influences and industrial processes and manufacture is undertaken.

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