GCSE Design & Technology
The Engineering Department can offer a range of Design and Technology courses including, Resistant Materials, Systems and Control and Graphic Products. In addition Food Technology is offered in the subject choice pools. This range of options will allow you to work with the materials you like best. In all of the courses the Year 10 work consists of design and make tasks which will help you build on and develop the skills learned in Key Stage 3. After Easter in Year 10 you will start on your GCSE coursework which carries on until February in Year 11. Assessment is by coursework and examination. The coursework is marked by your teacher and the marks checked by the examiner. The coursework is worth 60% of the total marks.
Resistant Materials
This course allows you to build projects using wood, plastic and metal. You will also improve your design skills through two main design and make tasks. Typical projects involve desk tidies, toys and storage systems.
Systems and Control
This course is more suitable for those students who have developed some skills in electronics but still wish to manufacture with wood and plastic. Students develop knowledge in basic circuits as well as mechanisms and use of computers for control. They then apply this knowledge to design and make projects. Typical projects are interactive alarm and control systems.
Graphic Products
This course is designed for students who have shown some 
skills in drawing and modelling with card and plastic. There is also the opportunity to work with clay to develop models of their ideas. In the past students have designed and made “pop-up-cards” and advertising displays as well as designing menus for theme restaurants.
Food & Nutrition
This course is for students who enjoy cooking and want to learn about the nutrition of food/ ingredients. Through the two year course students will increase their practical skills and nutritional knowledge. They will also produce an A4 independent research report. This is a 50% coursework (report & practical), 50% GCSE examination.
Directions at Post 16
You can choose to study the Diploma (Advanced) in Engineering regardless of which Engineering or Electronics course you followed in Year 10 and 11. This course gives you the freedom to go outside the Academy to carry out research and to go into industry to see how engineers solve problems.
In the first year of the Diploma you can apply to take part in the Engineering Education Scheme. The Engineering Department has links with industry and local colleges as well as Teesside University.
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Please contact Mr O'Connell for further information.