British (UK)

The National Curriculum of England (UK) is a very structured curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of all students, stretching brighter children and supporting those who need it through differentiated teaching and learning activities. The curriculum extends and excites all students, whatever their interests or ability. Through it, teachers are able to identify, celebrate and nurture the talents and intelligences of students.

British education is renowned for concerning itself with the development of the whole personality.

In the British education system, students are taught to learn by questioning, problem-solving and creative thinking rather than by the mere retention of facts, hence giving them analytical and creative thinking skills that they will need in the working world. A variety of teaching and assessment methods designed to develop independent thought as well as a mastery of the subject matter is used.

The National Curriculum of England has a clearly defined series of academic and other objectives at every level. mydrasa focuses on Key stage 3 (Year 7-9), Key stage 4 IGCSE/GCSE (Year 10-11) and Key stage 5 A-Level (Year 12-13).

mydrasa added subjects related to Key stage 4 to Year 9, and added subjects related to Key stage 5 to Year 11 for student preparation.

IGCSE stands for the "International General Certificate of Secondary Education". It is a program leading to externally set, marked and certificated examinations from the University of Cambridge. Any student who takes an IGCSE subject will be gaining a qualification that is recognized globally.

The exam boards covered under the International GCSE are Cambridge, Edexcel, and Oxford AQA.

SUbjects

Subjects

Cambridge - Design & Technology - 0445

  • Overview
  • Chapters

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. The aims are to enable students to:

· develop creative thinking in areas relevant to design and technology

· apply problem-solving skills to practical and technological problems

· develop the communication skills central to design, realisation and evaluation

· gain knowledge and understanding of design and technology

· develop skills in research and investigation

· design and make products, taking into consideration sustainability and the wider impact on society

· develop the ability to make aesthetic, economic, ethical and technical value judgements.

  • 1: Product Design
    1.1: Observe need/requirement
    1.1.1: Needs and opportunities for design and technological improvements
    1.2: Design brief/specification
    1.2.1: Analyse and produce design specifications for problems
    1.3: Identification/research
    1.3.1: Constraints imposed by knowledge, resource availability and/or external sources
    1.3.2: The information relevant to the solution of practical/technological problems
    1.3.3: Produce and/or interpret data
    1.4: Generation of possible ideas
    1.4.1: Generate and record ideas as potential solutions to problems
    1.4.2: Identify what resources they need for solving practical/technological problems
    1.4.3: Use a variety of media and equipment to produce models
    1.4.4: Need for continuous appraisal of their own progress, thinking & decision-making
    1.4.5: Relate self-appraisal judgements to the purpose of their study
    1.5: Selection/organisation
    1.5.1: Select & develop a solution after consideration of time, cost, skill & resources
    1.5.2: Organise and plan in detail the production of the selected solution
    1.6: Evaluation
    1.6.1: Evaluate existing products/systems, the work of others and their own work
    1.6.2: Test the performance of the product/solution against the original specification
    1.6.3: Use different methods and sources to assess the effectiveness of a product
    1.6.4: Suggest any possible modification and improvements
    1.7: Implementation and realisation
    1.7.1: Show an awareness of correct procedures for the preparation of materials
    1.7.2: The correct and accurate methods of drawing, marking out and testing
    1.7.3: Select appropriate processes for shaping a variety of materials
    1.8: Health and safety
    1.8.1: Show an awareness of the correct use of hand and machine tools and equipment
    1.8.2: Understand the need to take all mandatory and necessary safety precautions
    1.8.3: The responsibilities of designers to ensure that products are safe to use
    1.8.4: understand the importance of personal safety and the safety of others
    1.8.5: Recognise basic safety symbols used in the workshop
    1.9: Initiation and development of ideas, and recording of data
    1.9.1: Extract relevant information from sources, and interpret and record information
    1.10: Communication of design ideas
    1.10.1: Use technical vocabulary, number skills, colour, shading and other media
    1.11: Use of technology in design and making
    1.11.1: Research existing products (for example by using the internet)
    1.11.2: Understand the benefits of CAD/CAM
    1.11.3: Understand how CAD can be used to generate 2D and 3D images
    1.11.4: Understand how CAD/CAM is used in industry
    1.11.5: Be aware of a variety of machines that can be controlled by computer
    1.11.6: How computers can enhance stock control and quality control
    1.12: Design & technology in society
    1.12.1: Show awareness of the effect of design & technology activity
    1.12.2: The role of designers, artisans and technologists in industry and society
    1.12.3: Take a range of human needs into account
    1.13: Practical design application
    1.13.1: Consider how existing products meet the needs of the users
    1.13.2: Consider production manufacturing as: one-off, batch and mass production
    1.13.3: Generate design proposals
    1.14: Environment and sustainability
    1.14.1: Recognise that different forms of energy sources exist
    1.14.2: The difference between the finite and almost infinite nature of energy sources
    1.14.3: Use energy sources effectively and efficiently
    1.14.4: Responsibilities of designers towards sustainability of materials & resources
    1.14.5: Select materials based on environmental and sustainable considerations
    1.14.6: Understand the need for recycling
    1.14.7: Identify materials that can be recycled and those that cannot
    1.14.8: Understand the importance of disassembly of products and the reuse of parts
    1.14.9: Understand that products may be designed with a limited lifetime
    1.15: Control
    1.15.1: Identify the features of a control system
  • 2: Preparing your candidates for the project
    2.1: Identification of a need or opportunity with a brief analysis leading
    2.1.1: Explore several possible design needs or design opportunities
    2.1.2: Identify and explore the needs of intended user/s
    2.1.3: Develop one potential design need/opportunity
    2.1.4: Present a full and clear design brief
    2.2: Research into the design brief resulting in a specification
    2.2.1: Complete research into aspects of the design brief
    2.2.2: Consider needs of user/s
    2.2.3: Analyse data/information generated
    2.2.4: Produce a detailed and justified specification
    2.3: Generation and exploration of design ideas
    2.3.1: Identify & sketch a wide range of imaginative solutions
    2.3.2: Develop and clarify each solution with reference to the specification
    2.3.3: Explore technical aspects of each idea/part idea
    2.3.4: Evaluate ideas/part ideas regarding each specification point
    2.4: Development of proposed solution
    2.4.1: Clarify main features/aspects of proposed solution
    2.4.2: Use modelling and trialling to test aspects of the proposed solution
    2.4.3: Specify details of form, materials and construction/production methods
    2.4.4: Evaluate the proposed solutions regarding the specification points
    2.5: Planning for production
    2.5.1: Produce high-quality working drawings which include full details for manufacture
    2.5.2: Produce a production plan which includes the stages of manufacture
    2.5.3: Specify fittings and finishes, and provide a material list
    2.6: Product realisation
    2.6.1: Produce a product which manipulate materials sensitively
    2.6.2: Complete and finish the product to a high standard
    2.7: Testing and evaluation
    2.7.1: Test the product (in the intended environment, where possible)
    2.7.2: Make justified comments about the performance of the product
    2.7.3: Identify strengths and weaknesses of the product
    2.7.4: Evaluate the project overall, making comments about the successes of the product
    2.7.5: Identify proposals for further development of the product
  • 3: Resistant Materials (Specialist)
    3.1: Types of material
    3.1.1: Understand the physical and working properties of plastics, woods and metals
    3.2: Smart and modern materials
    3.2.1: Develop an awareness and understanding of ‘smart’ and modern materials
    3.3: Plastics
    3.3.1: show a working knowledge of Plastics
    3.4: Woods
    3.4.1: Demonstrate a working knowledge of natural timbers
    3.4.2: Understand why timber is seasoned and how to care for timber
    3.4.3: Understand steaming and bending of timbers and have knowledge of adhesives
    3.4.4: Demonstrate a working knowledge of the manufactured boards
    3.4.5: Understand the advantages and disadvantages of working with manufactured boards
    3.5: Metals
    3.5.1: Demonstrate a working knowledge of the following metals
    3.5.2: The effect of the following processes on the molecular structure of a material
    3.6: Composites
    3.6.1: Understanding of the term composite and be aware of the practical applications
    3.7: Preparation of materials
    3.7.1: Show knowledge of available market forms, types and sizes
    3.7.2: Understand methods of cutting by use of hacksaw, guillotine and tenon saw
    3.7.3: Understand the use of datum surfaces/lines/edges
    3.7.4: preparation for machine processes and safe methods of securing materials
    3.8: Setting, measuring, marking out, testing
    3.8.1: Measure and/or mark out
    3.8.2: Produce datum lines by surface plate and scribing block or calipers
    3.8.3: Measure using a micrometer, vernier gauge and/or digital caliper
    3.9: Shaping
    3.9.1: Deforming/reforming
    3.9.2: Wastage/addition
    3.10: Joining and assembly
    3.10.1: Use various methods of fabrication and fitting to join parts of products
    3.10.2: Understand the processes of soldering, brazing, welding, riveting/pop riveting
    3.10.3: Understand methods of carcase, stool and frame construction
    3.10.4: Use holding devices, formers and jigs to assist joining and assembly
    3.10.5: Understand the use of knock-down (KD) fittings for use with manufactured boards
    3.10.6: Understand where to use a wide range of pre-manufactured components
    3.10.7: Understand how sizes of screws, nails, nuts and bolts are specified
    3.10.8: Be aware of a range of different adhesives to join a variety of materials
    3.11: Finishing
    3.11.1: Understand the preparation for and application of surface treatments
    3.11.2: Be aware of a range of different finishes
    3.11.3: Be aware of surface finishes available for both interior and exterior use
    3.11.4: Be aware of the special finishes available
    3.11.5: Self-finishing and the processes by which some materials are self-finished
    3.11.6: Understand the process of electroplating and anodising
  • 4: Systems & Control - Structures (Specialist)
    4.1: Types of structure
    4.1.1: Identify and classify both natural and man-made structures
    4.2: Materials
    4.2.1: Describe, compare and contrast the properties of the structural materials
    4.3: Framed structures
    4.3.1: Frames in use & identify the use of triangulation to establish rigidity
    4.4: Applied loads and reactions
    4.4.1: Tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion and static load
    4.5: Levers
    4.5.1: Identify and sketch simple examples of first, second and third order levers
    4.6: Transmission of motion
    4.6.1: List the factors influencing the choice of spur gears for practical applications
    4.7: Friction and lubrication
    4.7.1: Recognise the need to reduce friction between two surfaces by design
    4.8: Conversion of motion
    4.8.1: Types of motion: rotary, linear, reciprocating and oscillating
    4.9: Basic concepts of electronics
    4.9.1: Use correct symbols and conventions when drawing circuit diagrams
    4.9.2: Series and parallel for connecting components in a circuit
    4.9.3: Identify and compare conductivity and insulation when selecting materials
    4.9.4: Understand units used to measure current, voltage, resistance and capacitance
    4.10: Switches
    4.10.1: Understand the action and application of the following common switches
    4.11: Designing and making
    4.11.1: Design and make working models and products
    4.11.2: Design, make and evaluate a static structure
    4.12: Moments (turning forces)
    4.12.1: Define a moment as force × distance (Nm)
    4.12.2: Demonstrate an understanding of the use of moments in simple calculations
    4.13: Basic concepts of structures and forces
    4.13.1: Understand the design and construction of structures which withstand stress
    4.14: Types of structural member
    4.14.1: Draw, describe and identify various types of member such as beam, strut and tie
    4.15: Nature of structural members
    4.15.1: How length, shape of cross-section and material selection affects performance
    4.16: Joints in structures
    4.16.1: Select and use methods of joining materials of solid and hollow cross-section
    4.16.2: Select and use different methods of reinforcing
    4.17: Applied loads & reactions
    4.17.1: Apply the concept of equilibrium as a result of applied load and reaction
    4.18: Forces
    4.18.1: Understand Stress = force cross/sectional area
    4.18.2: Understand Strain = change in length / original length
    4.18.3: Understand the term Factor of Safety and its importance to structural design
  • 5: Systems & Control – Mechanisms (Specialist)
    5.1: Types of structure
    5.1.1: - Identify and classify both natural and man-made structures
    5.2: Materials
    5.2.1: - Describe, compare and contrast the properties of the structural materials
    5.3: Framed structures
    5.3.1: - Frames in use & identify the use of triangulation to establish rigidity
    5.4: Applied loads and reactions
    5.4.1: - Tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion and static load
    5.5: Levers
    5.5.1: - Identify and sketch simple examples of first, second and third order levers
    5.6: Transmission of motion
    5.6.1: - List the factors influencing the choice of spur gears for the applications
    5.7: Friction and lubrication
    5.7.1: - Recognise the need to reduce friction between two surfaces by design
    5.8: Conversion of motion
    5.8.1: - Types of motion: rotary, linear, reciprocating and oscillating
    5.9: Basic concepts of electronics
    5.9.1: - Use correct symbols and conventions when drawing circuit diagrams
    5.9.2: - Series and parallel for connecting components in a circuit
    5.9.3: - Identify and compare conductivity and insulation when selecting materials
    5.9.4: - Understand units used to measure current, voltage, resistance and capacitance
    5.10: Switches
    5.10.1: - Understand the action and application of the following common switches
    5.11: Basic concepts of mechanisms
    5.11.1: Load, effort, fulcrum, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency
    5.12: The principle of levers
    5.12.1: Use the principle of levers to design and make a simple machine
    5.13: Transmission of the motion
    5.13.1: Factors influencing the choice of the mechanisms for practical applications
    5.13.2: Calculate simple gear ratios and transmission speed
    5.13.3: The Mechanical Advantage, Velocity Ratio, efficiency & rotational direction
    5.14: Bearings
    5.14.1: Compare and contrast the use of plain, roller and ball bearings
    5.15: Conversion of the motion
    5.15.1: Understand the terms crank, cam, follower, dwell, stroke, screw thread, pitch
    5.15.2: Select from the mechanisms for converting motion from one type to another
  • 6: Systems & Control – Electronics (Specialist)
    6.1: Types of structure
    6.1.1: • Identify and classify both natural and man-made structures
    6.2: Materials
    6.2.1: • Describe, compare and contrast the properties of the structural materials
    6.3: Framed structures
    6.3.1: • Frames in use & identify the use of triangulation to establish rigidity
    6.4: Applied loads and reactions
    6.4.1: • Tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion and static load
    6.5: Levers
    6.5.1: • Identify and sketch simple examples of first, second and third order levers
    6.6: Transmission of motion
    6.6.1: • List the factors influencing the choice of spur gears for the applications
    6.7: Friction and lubrication
    6.7.1: • Recognise the need to reduce friction between two surfaces by design
    6.8: Conversion of motion
    6.8.1: • Types of motion: rotary, linear, reciprocating and oscillating
    6.9: Basic concepts of electronics
    6.9.1: • Use correct symbols and conventions when drawing circuit diagrams
    6.9.2: • Series and parallel for connecting components in a circuit
    6.9.3: • Identify and compare conductivity and insulation when selecting materials
    6.9.4: • Understand units used to measure current, voltage, resistance and capacitance
    6.10: Switches
    6.10.1: • Understand the action and application of the following common switches
    6.11: The Basic concepts of electronics
    6.11.1: Understand the relationship between current, voltage and resistance (Ohm’s Law)
    6.11.2: Use ammeters, voltmeters and multimeters
    6.11.3: Perform simple power calculations using P = VI
    6.12: Circuit building techniques
    6.12.1: Design and construct printed circuit boards (PCBs)
    6.12.2: Make use of: – soldering, other methods of connection, appropriate tools
    6.12.3: Know and apply health and safety measures for circuit building
    6.13: "Switches"
    6.13.1: Understand (NC), (NO), (SPST) & (DPDT) in relation to switches and relays
    6.13.2: Use relays to switch higher voltage circuits for motors, solenoids, etc.
    6.13.3: Construct and draw circuits which use a two pole change-over relay
    6.14: Resistors
    6.14.1: Make use of the resistor colour code
    6.14.2: Draw circuit diagrams & perform calculations for resistors in series & parallel
    6.14.3: Understand the term potential divider and perform calculations
    6.15: Transistors
    6.15.1: Describe the operation of transistors
    6.15.2: Know when to use NPN bipolar transistors as switches in circuits
    6.16: Diodes
    6.16.1: Understand the use of a diode as a one way conductor
    6.16.2: Use LEDs (light emitting diodes) in circuits
    6.16.3: Understand the function of 7 segment displays
    6.17: Transducers
    6.17.1: The use of the following transducers: LDR (light dependent resistor), thermistor
    6.18: Capacitors
    6.18.1: Differences between & applications for, polarised and non-polarised capacitors
    6.19: Time delay circuits
    6.19.1: Construct and draw circuit diagrams for time delay circuits
    6.19.2: Use of programmable integrated circuits such as PIC ICs for time delays
    6.19.3: Calculate time delays from a given formula
    6.20: Logic gates
    6.20.1: Use of logic gates (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, NOT) & truth tables
    6.20.2: Demonstrate knowledge of 4000 series ICs
    6.20.3: Use an operational amplifier (OP AMP) to compare voltages
  • 7: Graphic Products (Specialist)
    7.1: Formal drawing
    7.1.1: Demonstrate a working knowledge of appropriate British Standards
    7.2: Orthographic projection
    7.2.1: Identify and use both first and third angle orthographic projection
    7.3: Isometric
    7.3.1: Understand and draw isometric views
    7.4: Planometric
    7.4.1: Understand and draw planometric views at 45° × 45° and 60° × 30°
    7.5: Estimated one-point and two-point perspective
    7.5.1: Understand and draw estimated perspective
    7.6: Sectional views
    7.6.1: Select the most suitable section & draw whole, part, revolved & removed sections
    7.7: Exploded views
    7.7.1: Draw exploded views of component parts along one axis only
    7.8: Assembly drawings
    7.8.1: Assemble given component parts into a single drawing, including parts lists
    7.9: Freehand drawings
    7.9.1: Use freehand drawing to communicate ideas, thoughts and information
    7.10: Use of relevant geometrical constructions to determine basic shapes
    7.10.1: Construct regular and irregular plane linear shapes
    7.11: Developments (nets)
    7.11.1: Construct developments of cubes, prisms, cylinders and cones
    7.12: Ellipses
    7.12.1: Construct ellipses by any accurate method, including the use of a trammel
    7.13: Enlarging and reducing
    7.13.1: Use graphical methods to enlarge/reduce a shape
    7.13.2: Apply one-point perspective to enlarge/reduce a shape
    7.13.3: Use a graphical method to enlarge/reduce a line to a given scale or ratio
    7.14: Use of instruments
    7.14.1: Use instruments to produce graphical representations
    7.15: Use of drafting aids
    7.15.1: Use drawing aids including technical pens, flow chart templates & lettering
    7.16: Layout and planning
    7.16.1: Select the most suitable layout to achieve visual impact & to convey information
    7.17: Presentation
    7.17.1: Demonstrate range of techniques
    7.17.2: Select the most relevant method to present information for a particular purpose
    7.17.3: Different modes of drawing diagrams & lettering necessary for the communication
    7.17.4: Demonstrate an awareness of varied lettering effects
    7.18: Data graphics
    7.18.1: Produce line, pie, bar and flow charts/graphs from data provided
    7.18.2: Produce sequence drawings from data provided
    7.18.3: Show an understanding of the range and purpose of standardised signs and symbols
    7.19: Reprographics
    7.19.1: Have a knowledge of commercial printing methods
    7.20: Materials and modelling
    7.20.1: Use modelling to scale
    7.20.2: Have a knowledge of the following materials
    7.20.3: Produce a scale drawing to enable a visual model to be made
    7.20.4: Recognise & select methods of making joints in graphic products using adhesives
    7.20.5: Recognise & use non-permanent joining methods including slots, arrow-tabs &flaps
    7.20.6: Recognise the use of reinforcing, fold-over locking flaps and lock rudder flaps
    7.21: ICT
    7.21.1: The use of a computer to research shapes, images and letter fonts
    7.21.2: Demonstrate awareness that digital images can be captured & stored on a computer
    7.21.3: The use of a computer to alter the size and area of suitable shapes
    7.21.4: Use of a computer to aid drawing (CAD) and a computer to aid manufacturing (CAM)
    7.21.5: Computer output devices can be used to give hard copy or a cut profile
    7.22: Manufacture of graphic products
    7.22.1: Use hand tools safely and correctly to produce prototype graphic products
    7.22.2: The processes of vacuum forming & blow moulding to create blister packaging
    7.22.3: The commercial processes used to cut, crease and shape materials

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