Curriculum

Product Design

Subject Vision and Intent

In Product Design students use creativity and imagination to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. Student's design and make products that solve real problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Students learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

 

Five-Year Plan

Term Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Autumn Term 1  

On rotation: 

Theme - British Values

  • Health and Safety
  • Mainly making - Focused practical tasks. 
  • Evaluating – Product comparison. Exploring the work of others. Evaluating work against a specification.
  • Design skills unit 1.
  • Design and make - with a 2D CAD CAM focus.
  • Technical knowledge – polymers, programmable components.

On rotation:

Theme - Environment and Sustainability

  • Mainly making – USB powered lamp.
  • Designing - 3D CAD introduction and focused task.
  • Design skills unit 2.
  • Evaluating – Product disassembly. The work of others.
  • Technical knowledge – Electronic components. Metals and alloys. Mechanical systems.

On rotation:

Theme - Changing World

  • Designing - 3D CAD product design and architecture.
  • Design skills unit 3.
  • Designing and making - Desk organiser.
  • Evaluating – Product analysis. The work of others.
  • Technical knowledge – Manmade boards, natural woods. 

Skills based tasks in preparation for sustained project in component 1.

Further work to support component 1. Mini projects focusing on lighting and body adornment.

Autumn Term 2

Sustained architecture project for component 1 covering all four assessment objectives.

Completion of component 1.
 
Spring Term 1 Sustained architecture project for component 1 covering all four assessment objectives. Commencing of externally set task for component 2.
Spring Term 2

Sustained architecture project for component 1 covering all four assessment objectives.

Continuation of component 2.

Summer Term 1 Sustained architecture project for component 1 covering all four assessment objectives.

Completion of component 2, culminating in 10 hours of supervised, unaided work under exam conditions.

Summer Term 2 Further work to support component 1. Mini projects focusing on lighting and body adornment.  

 

Key Stage 4

GCSE 3-Dimensional Design

Exam Board AQA

Examinations

Three-Dimensional Design consists of 2 components.

Component 1: Portfolio, 60% of GCSE, no time limit.

Component 2: Externally set assignment, 40% of GCSE. A starting point selected and explored by the student ending in 10 hours supervised, unaided work.

Key Topics
  • Architectural design
  • Product design
  • Jewellery and body adornment

Hodge Hill Girls School
Bromford Road
Birmingham
B36 8EY

0121 464 3094