Teacher:
Miss Eyvor Irvine
Aims:
The aims of Design and Manufacture courses are to enable learners to develop:
- skills in designing and manufacturing models, 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
Who is Design and Manufacture for?
This course is suitable for learners attracted by design and practical activities. It provides a foundation for those considering further study or a career in design, manufacturing, engineering, science, marketing, and related disciplines. The course also offers a complementary practical experience for those studying subjects in the technologies and expressive arts.
Learning Experiences:
Design and Manufacture provides progression in and from experiences and outcomes in expressive arts, mathematics, science and ICT, as well as in craft, design, engineering and graphics. Learners will develop knowledge and skills to appreciate, contribute and adapt to opportunities offered in manufacturing industries. Learners will gain skills in designing and manufacturing products using various materials. This will include developing knowledge of design considerations, design techniques, materials and manufacturing processes. Sketching, drawing and modelling skills will be used along with literacy and presentation skills to communicate ideas and information. Critical thinking and evaluation skills will be continually developed throughout the course.
The course develops skills in Design and Materials and Manufacture.
Design
Learners study the design process from brief to design proposal. This helps them develop skills in research, idea generation, idea development, planning, sketching, drawing, modelling and using notes to articulate and communicate design proposals. They gain an understanding of the design/make/test process and the importance of evaluating and resolving design proposals on an ongoing basis. Learners also develop an understanding of the factors that influence the design of products and knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
Materials and Manufacture
Learners study the manufacture of prototypes and products. This helps them develop practical skills including marking out, use of tools, assembly and finishing. They gain an appreciation of the properties and uses of materials, as well as a range of manufacturing processes and techniques, allowing them to evaluate and refine design and manufacturing solutions. Learners also gain an understanding of commercial manufacture.
What can you gain from choosing this subject?
Learners will develop creative and practical skills by designing and making solutions to real problems. In addition, they gain an understanding of the impact of design and manufacture on everyday life.
The course encourages candidates to take a broad view of design and manufacture, through making decisions and taking responsibility for their own actions, generating and developing ideas, applying knowledge, and justifying decisions. These transferrable skills place candidates in a strong position regardless of the career path they choose.
How will you be assessed?
In S3 and in preparation for course assessments in S4:
- self- and peer-assessment, short design and manufacture assignments, tests
In S4:
N4 (SCQF Level 4)
To pass the N4 qualification pupils must pass two coursework units and an assignment.
- Design (9 SCQF points)
- Materials and Manufacturing (9 SCQF points)
- Design and Manufacture Assignment (6 SCQF points).
Freestanding Units (SCQF level 5)
Two free standing units, which do not contribute to achievement of a National Course, are available.
- Design (9 SCQF points)
- Materials and Manufacturing (9 SCQF points)
N5 (SCQF Level 5)
The N5 course consists of 24 SCQF points including time for preparation for course assessment. The N5 course is graded A-D. The course assessment has three components:
- 1 hour 45 minute Question Paper – 80 marks
- Design Assignment – 55 marks
- Practical Assignment – 45 marks
Careers:
Progression in this course would be to Higher Design and Manufacture or other related SQA Qualifications. It would be useful for employment or training courses in a related discipline, for example: product design, construction, engineering, manufacturing, planning or surveying.
