Course Aims:

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:

The assessment of the Units in this Course will be as follows:

Design and Manufacture: Design

In this Unit, evidence will be provided by the production, evaluation and justification of design proposals, including a simple specification in response to a brief. Knowledge will also be assessed.

Design and Manufacture: Materials and Manufacturing
In this Unit, evidence will be provided by the production and evaluation of simple products in response to given instructions. Knowledge will also be assessed.

Added Value Unit

In this Course, the Added Value Unit will focus on challenge and application.

The learner will draw on, extend and apply the skills and knowledge they have developed during the Course. This will be assessed through an assignment requiring application of skills and knowledge from the Units to produce an effective overall response to the brief. The response to the brief will include a design folio and model, a prototype or a completed product.

The assignment is set by centres using SQA guidelines and will be marked in school by teachers.

Course Progression:

• · National 5 Design and Manufacture
• · Higher Design and Manufacture.
• · 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.