Design Technology - Graphic Design – GR.4

Head of Department: Mrs H Moore

You will be awarded a GCSE in Design and Technology. You would not be able to choose this course and take Design Technology Product Design course. 

The Graphic Design Technology route will mean that your Year 11 non-exam assessment task will be developed and created within a computer room using Photoshop.  The printed outcomes will then be assembled into 3D products using papers, boards, and polymers.   

Why study this subject? 

• You will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors. • It will develop your ability to work creatively when designing and making outcomes for Graphic

Products. • Careers could be pursued in design for graphics products, advertising, web design, photo editing. 

What will you study?  Core technical principles 

• New and emerging technologies, energy generation and storage, modern and smart materials, systems approach to designing, mechanical devices, materials and their working properties.  

Specialist technical principles 

• Selection of materials and components, ecological and social footprint, scales of production, stock forms, types and sizes, specialist techniques, surface treatments and finishes, sources and origins. 

Designing and making principles 

• Techniques and processes, investigation, primary and secondary data, environmental, social and economic challenges, the work of others, communication of design ideas, prototype development, design strategies.  

The areas above will be taught through a range of theory and practical lessons.  

How will you be assessed?  Paper 1 – Written exam, 2 hours, 100 marks, 50% of GCSE 

Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks) 

• A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding.

Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks) 

• Several short answer questions (2-5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more indepth knowledge of technical principles.  

Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks) 

• A mixture of short answer and extended response questions including a 12-mark design question.  

Non–exam assessment (NEA), 30-35 hours, 100 marks, 50% of GCSE 

This is a substantial design-and-make task which will specialise in Graphic Products.  You will be expected therefore to use Photoshop and work with paper and card materials to create your prototype and a portfolio of evidence.  You will investigate, design, make, analyse and evaluate.  

Something to consider …. 

You will be expected to demonstrate your design ability throughout the two-year course. An interest in design and a level of creativity and drawing skills are expected.