GCSE - Resistant Materials Technology
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Course Outline from September 2009 – 2010
This focus area will give the student the opportunity to work with a range of resistant materials, such as wood, metal and plastics and to solve real problems by designing and making an exciting product relating to their personal interests. The course is run by committed and enthusiastic teachers who encourage students of all abilities to achieve a high quality creative outcome. Students have the opportunity to experience ICT using ProDesktop (CAD PACKAGE), CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) and Corel Draw.
The recent acquisition of the Laser Cutter within the department will allow Design students to access a wider range of modern CAD/CAM manufacturing techniques such as engraving glass and slate and precise and finishing and cutting of plastics and wood.
This will ensure the standard of making within the department is maintained in light of the new examination requirements for this subject, starting in September 2009.
Moderator’s Comment:
“I was particularly impressed with the superb selection of well made, innovative artefacts at Builth. Many pupils had excelled in the quality and quantity of work produced, some of it up to ‘A’ level standard”.
Assessment
Unit 1 : Resistant Materials
Written Paper (40%)
Unit 2 : Resistant Materials
Task (60%) |
Section A – 20% (60 marks)
Section B – 20% (60 marks)
One design and make major project.
30 guided hours of designing and making.
15 A3 page design portfolio |
| Year 10 |
Year 11 |
Autumn Term
• Introduction to new GCSE course (start Sept. 2009).
• A weekly theory lesson
• Two skills based lessons completing varying tasks, using WJEC template pages. |
Autumn Term
• Continuing with existing WJEC course (ending June 2010).
• Students will carry out the Design Process and at this stage should be completing:
- CAD and modelling
- Knowledge of Materials
- Finishes
- Planning
• Students will source and order materials
• Students will start making their outcomes |
Spring Term
• A weekly theory lesson
• Two skills based lessons completing varying tasks, using WJEC template pages. |
Spring Term
• Continuing with existing WJEC course.
• Students will source and order materials.
• Students will make their outcomes.
• Students will conclude the Design Process and at this stage should be completing:
- Planning
- Manufacturing Diary
- Testing and Evaluation
• Final amendments of coursework folio
• Internal marking
• External moderation of work by visiting moderator |
Summer Term
• A weekly theory lesson
• Two skills based lessons completing varying tasks, using WJEC template pages.
• Review Year 10 work
• GCSE RMT exam |
Summer Term |
GCSE Homework
Frequency and Format
In Years 10 and 11, all students following the Department’s GCSE courses will, in addition to completing any specific homework tasks, need to undertake work at home in order to fulfil the coursework requirements set by the Examination Board. Students will be required to engage in research, collect and/or record information, and/or prepare, continue or evaluate work in their own time. On occasions students will be required to pre-read resource material, related to the appropriate specific area and undertake a test on this homework set.
For Key Stage 4 and Post 16 students, all rooms and workshops are made available after school on designated days to assist pupils with additional work, homework or practical coursework sessions.
Student Grouping
Students are taught in mixed ability groups within the specialist areas. Classes generally range in size from 15-20 students.
Assessment Pattern
Work is assessed informally during lessons in order to help students to make progress. Interim assessments take place on average once every half term, in order to give feedback on the strengths and areas to work on, along with current and potential grades. Students are given details of the specialist course assessment criteria. Theory tests are also set at the end of every topic; this is our current practice with the new GCSE courses, as from September 2009.
Coursework is marked using the actual GCSE assessment criteria once or twice a year, in order to accurately assess current grades, and to set realistic and challenging GCSE grades.
Recommended wider reading
Any visits to exhibitions, displays and cookery demonstrations encourage and improve students’ awareness of design and designers/chefs work. We would encourage students to draw, design, cook and take part in craft based interests outside school where possible. Any catering/recipe books, design or general Design History based books are worth looking at to help with inspiration. The school library is now building up a good collection, and some books are available in the department.
How can you help your child?
Encouragement with their work, and ensuring that they work regularly on their coursework. Materials to manufacture their Resistant Materials or Textiles outcomes can be purchased through the department if you wish; alternatively you can support your child by independently sourcing and purchasing materials. Helping students with purchasing a range of ingredients in preparation for their practical catering lessons will also assist students with their organisation.
Helping students to visit exhibitions, or to collect first-hand research for their work will certainly help to support them.
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