GCSE Design & Technology
Design and Technology for GCSE and Advanced level appeals to those students who are interested in designing, making products and learning how things work.
GCSE D&T builds upon the experiences and skills gained at Key stage 3 and develops the student’s ability to problem solve through independent learning.
The department building is modern and very well equipped consequently Design and Technology is a popular choice at GCSE.
Year 11 (S1)
- Core Theory (1hr Paper in June) 25%
Year 12
- Further Technology Theory (1hr Paper in June) 25%
- Design and Manufacture of a Resistant materials product. (Moderated in May) 50%
Year 11 - Modules/Units
The first year of the course focuses on knowledge and understanding of resistant materials such as woods, metals and plastics including related tools, equipment and processes. Also studied is electronics, computer control, graphics with CAD and CNC manufacturing. Theory of mechanisms and pneumatics is incorporated.
Year 12 – Modules/Units
The second year of the course involves further study of Technical theory relating to designing, materials and manufacturing processes. It also sees the completion of the practical coursework product (40%) and supporting design portfolio.
Coursework :
Pupils must design and manufacture a working product in answer to an identified need or brief. The product must incorporate a range of materials and processes. The product must also be supported by a 10 page A3 design portfolio.
Theory examinations
The examination comprises quick answer questions and a number of in depth questions chosen from electronics, mechanisms, computer control , pneumatics, designing, materials, tools / machines and processes.
The examination papers are only available in June each year.
(6) Extra Curricular/Competitions
After school provision is made for GCSE and A level students to use the Department facilities after school Monday to Thursday under supervision.
There may be opportunities for students to enter competitions such as Young engineers for Britain, Sentinus Young Innovators, The National Science and Engineering Competition ‘The Big Bang’.
Year 12 DT students are also given the opportunity to apply for a prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. There are a number of College students who have been awarded these scholarships and have benefitted greatly from them both financially and in respect of their Curriculum Vitae as potential young engineers of the future.
Arkwright Engineering Scholarships
In 2013 St. Colman's College were one of four schools in Northern Ireland to affiliate to the Arkwright Scholarships Trust.
The renowned Arkwright Engineering Scholarships provide students with a £600 financial award to enhance their A level studies and a range of activities to enhance their understanding and experience of engineering. St. Colman's College will also receive £400 for each Scholarship awarded to one of its students. The Scholarships are respected by leading universities and companies and are supported by top engineering employers and organisations such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, National Grid, Balfour Beatty, Microsoft Research, Thales, The Royal Air Force, The Royal Navy and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The Scholarships are also funded by charitable donors including, principal donors The Reece Foundation, The Lloyd's Register Foundation, the Gannochy Trust, the Dulverton Trust, the Emmott Foundation and S.F.I.A Educational Trust.
The college students and staff were delighted to learn that Colum Mc Nally (Newry) and Declan Loy (Anaclone) were awarded a much sought-after Arkwright Engineering Scholarship that identifies them as some of the country's future leaders in engineering and technical design.
Colum and Declan had to successfully complete a rigorous ion process consisting of a detailed application form, a two-hour aptitude exam and an interview hosted at a top engineering university.
The aptitude exam tested candidates' flair and originality in solving engineering design problems. At the in-depth interview, candidates were asked about their career aspirations and had to discuss an engineering project they had conducted. During the interview day the candidates took part in a team exercise to solve a hands-on engineering problem working with students they had never met before.
Candidates and their parents also toured the engineering facilities at the host university and explored the diversity of engineering and related design careers and their importance to the UK economy.
Colum and Declan were formally presented with their Scholarships at a prestigious ceremony in Glasgow and London supported by The Institution of Engineering and Technology.
In 2014 St. Colman's pupils and staff were again delighted to learn that Morgan Cumiskey (Ravensdale Dundalk) and Jamie Mc Ateer (Bessbrook) have also now been awarded this prestigious scholarship.
Dr. Martin Thomas, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust said:
"I am delighted to see two further students from St. Colman's College secure this prestigious accolade. Clearly, there is considerable technical talent in the Newry and South Down area. With the competition for rewarding jobs becoming ever-more fierce, the receipt of an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship can help dynamic young people at the start of their journey to be the country's future leaders in engineering and technical design."
