The aims of the Course are to enable students to develop:

• skills in the design and manufacturing prototypes and products.
• knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes and materials .
• an understanding of the impact of design and manufacturing technologies on our environment and society.

Course Structure, Expectations and Assessment:

Expectations:

You have chosen to undertake study in a National level course. In doing this, it is expected that you will work to the best of your ability and follow all teacher instruction to help you achieve your potential. The course is rigorous and there is a significant amount of coursework to complete throughout the year. You will have to meet all deadlines to ensure you maintain the required pace of learning.

Homework will be given out on a weekly basis to help you develop and improve your learning out with class. This should be returned as and when given and any problems with regard to this, should be reported to your teacher as soon as possible.

Course Structure:

1. Units are structured as follows:

Unit One: Design

This Unit covers the product design process from brief to resolved design proposals, including specification. You will develop skills in initiating, developing and communicating design proposals. It will allow you to develop an appreciation of the design process and the importance of evaluating and resolving design proposals. You will develop an appreciation of design concepts and the various factors that influence the design of products. Unit One is broken down into 3 specific outcomes:

1.   Identify factors that influence design and apply these in a design task.

2.   Develop and communicate design concepts for a design task.

3.   Evaluate existing products from today’s markets.

Unit Two: Materials and Manufacturing 

This Unit covers the product design process from design proposals to prototype or product. It will help you to realise your design by manufacturing your ideas. It will allow you to develop practical skills that are invaluable in the design process. You will also gain an appreciation of the properties and uses of materials as well as a range of manufacturing processes and techniques used in design and manufacture industries. Unit Two is broken down further into four  specific outcomes:

1.   Investigate materials for manufacturing tasks in a workshop context

2.   Prepare for manufacturing tasks in a workshop context

3.   Plan and implement a manufacturing sequence for a prototype

4.   Review the manufacturing processes and finished prototype

Course Assessment:

To gain the award of the course, you must pass all of the mandatory units as well as the course assessment. Course assessment will be graded A –D, unlike unit work, which will be graded on a pass/fail basis.

On completion of the course units, you will be able to undertake the SQA set design assignment that will seek to assess your knowledge and skill of design and manufacture, using the learning you have been exposed to throughout the year. There will also be a written examination at the end of the course testing your knowledge. This is broken down as follows:

Component One: Course Assignment (90 Marks = 60% of the total mark)

The assignment requires students to demonstrate aspects of challenge and application in a practical context. Learners will apply knowledge and skills from the Units to produce a solution to an appropriately challenging design problem. The Course Assignment will assess two areas:

1. Design skills (50% of Assignment marks). Candidates will produce a folio covering the following areas:  

• ideas
• development
• communication
• evaluation

2. Practical skills (50% of Assignment marks). Candidates will produce a prototype. The prototype will allow learners to demonstrate practical skills in:  

• measuring and marking out
• cutting, shaping and forming
• assembly of components
• finishing

Component Two: Written Exam (60 marks = 40% of the total mark).

The question paper requires learners to demonstrate aspects of breadth and application in theoretical contexts. Learners will apply breadth of knowledge from across the Units and depth of understanding, to produce descriptions and explanations related to theoretical design and manufacture contexts.

Course Progression:

• · National 6 (Higher) Design and Manufacture
• · National 7 (Advanced Higher) Design and Manufacture.

Possible further study and career routes for students:

• · Product Design (e.g. electronics, auto-motives, communications).
• · Interior design.
• · Manufacturing apprenticeships.
• · Design Engineering.
• · Architecture.
• · Quantity Surveying.
• · Industrial Design