Technology

Technology Department

Fivemiletown College Technology Department aims to encourage a passion for Technology, starting at Key Stage 3, with the intention of building a strong foundation for our pupils, who may decide to study Technology at GCSE and Advanced Level.

Key Stage 3

All our junior classes follow the Northern Ireland Revised Curriculum for Design and Technology at Key Stage 3.

The Programmes of Study (POS) are addressed through project work. Projects in each year are designed to cover specific key elements and skills. These projects increase in complexity to ensure continuity and progression in both designing and making skills.

The primary aim of the department during these formative years is to ensure pupils have a state of all subjects offered at GCSE, as well as some skills in each area to carry forward. In the department good work is expected, and rewarded.

In recent times CAD/CAM has been integrated to some KS3 Project work.

GCSE

Once the decision is made the pupil then embarks on a two-year course (CCEA) Product Design, which builds upon Key Stage 3 foundation skills and knowledge towards greater individual Design and Technology capability and of course good final results.

The current GCSE syllabus is CCEA T&D PRODUCT DESIGN.

In the first year (Y11)

Unit 1. Study of product design theory, Technology and Design Core Content materials, skills, tools / machines and processes. This theory is examined in late May by a 1 ½ hr examination.

In the second year (Y12)

Unit 2. Further study of Design and Technology (Product Design theory) with formal 1 hr examination in May.

Unit 3. Design and Manufacturing Project.

Themes for the assignment are set by CCEA each year.

Timetabled periods are divided between theory classes and coursework. However, it is generally necessary for pupils to work after school to produce work of a high standard. In Y12 pupils are largely focused on their individual project work. The final term is primarily set aside for revision of theory both general and specialist.

BTEC Engineering

Level 2 Engineering is broken down into three units.

Unit 1: The Engineering World. 25% of BTEC

An on screen test completed in our computer suite in Y11.

Unit 2: Investigating an Engineering Product. 25% of BTEC

A written piece of coursework completed in Y11.

Unit 3: Machining Techniques. 50% of BTEC

This is our chosen unit for Y12. The pupils will complete a detailed piece of written coursework and then manufacture a sliding bevel to compliment the process and machining techniques discussed in the written work.

ADVANCED LEVEL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

AS and Advanced Level

Studying Design and Technology beyond GCSE level provides an opportunity for College students to develop their own creativity, capability and entrepreneurial skills.

In many cases students have taken on real life design briefs from industrial and agricultural origin, developed and realised very innovative and successful product solutions, many with patent potential. In recent years many College students have achieved regional awards and national recognition for their A level products in the Young Innovators / Young Engineers for Britain competition.

However, although coursework is a challenging and rewarding element of the AS and A2 levels, accounting for 50% of the marks, the theoretical aspects are also important, aiming to give an insight into the technologies and designs which shape our lives.

The current syllabus is CCEA Design and Technology (Product Design)

In the first year AS (Sixth form) two units are studied, which together form the AS level.

AS Level

AS 1a. Theory Exam (1 Hour) Core topics (50% AS course / 20% of full A level)

AS 1b. Theory Exam (1 Hour) Option topic (Product Design)

AS 2. Course work Project (50% AS course / 20% of full A level)

Product Re-Design – Students undertake analysis and comparisons of commercial products to investigate their design and manufacture.

Product Design – Students identify an opportunity to Re - design and manufacture a product to meet a need or situation.

A2 Level

To achieve a full A level qualification candidates study two further units in the second year A2.

A2 1. Theory exam (2 hours) (Specialist option Product Design) 30% of A Level.

A2 2. Course work Product Design and Manufacture. 30% of A Level

Students are required to identify potential or an opportunity to design and manufacture a resistant materials product which will have good sustainability attributes and commercial viability.