NATIONAL 4

1) Why did you pick this subject and how did you get advice and support?

A: Thought they would enjoy it, asked techy teachers.

2) What did you need to get in? (e.g. a Pass at Nat 4, a B in Nat 5, good grades in S3; good practical skills, ability to work well with others)?

A: Good ability in S3.

3) Will you do this subject next year?

A: No as leaving school.

4) What kinds of topics do you cover?

A: Design – briefs, projects, how it’s done in industry, what influences designs.

5) What has been your favourite topic and why?

A: Designing a childs chair.

6) What kinds of learning activities have you done?

A: Practical – drawing /model making.  Theory – How things are made, design factors, types of materials and processes, design teams.

7) What kinds of skills does this subject help you to develop?

A: Drawing skills, practical (models), writing (research and specifications).

8) What is the homework like?

A: Not too much, few questions on theory that we learn in class.

9) What kinds of tests or assessments do you have?

A: Internally assessed.

10) What kinds of careers could this subject lead to?

A: Designer, engineer, manufacturing.

11) What would you say to someone who is thinking about picking this subject next year?

A: It’s enjoyable.

HIGHER

1) Why did you pick this subject and how did you get advice and support?

A: Further their knowledge from Nat 5, yes – from teacher.

2) What did you need to get in? (e.g. a Pass at Nat 4, a B in Nat 5, good grades in S3; good practical skills, ability to work well with others)?

A: Pass Nat 5.

3) Will you do this subject next year?

A: No – left school and no advanced higher.

4) What kinds of topics do you cover?

A: Design skills and manufacturing skills.

5) What has been your favourite topic and why?

A: Model making project and product analysis (taking apart a product and saying how it’s made).

6) What kinds of learning activities have you done?

A: Making design folios to meet briefs – drawing and model making.

7) What kinds of skills does this subject help you to develop?

A: Drawing and designing to meet a specification.

8) What is the homework like?

A: Not a lot – basic questions related to what we learn in class.

9) What kinds of tests or assessments do you have?

A: Internally assessed, have to meet outcomes.

10) What kinds of careers could this subject lead to?

A: Designers, engineering.

11) What would you say to someone who is thinking about picking this subject next year?

A: Take Nat 5 before higher because you have a better idea of the coursework.