GCSE Systems & Control

Systems & Control (AQA)

Based around the systems approach to technology the course is designed to offer students the opportunity to study, propose, develop and realise prototype solutions to a variety of designing and making situations, closely related to the real world of product/system manufacture.

Students will take on the role of a designer and manufacturer; building up awareness and understanding of all the issues to be considered in the planning, design, manufacture and marketing of products and systems. They will carry out critical evaluations of existing products and incorporate their findings into the design of their own products.

Specialist areas include: electronic systems, mechanical systems, computer control, automation and industrial & commercial practices.

Assessment

The assessment is divided into two units – a controlled assessment and an examination. The controlled assessment unit accounts for 60% of the final GCSE grade: it consists of one major project which should represent 45 hours work. The project spans three terms, with students beginning their preliminary work in the Summer Term of Year 10, and is a ‘design and make’ project.

There is a 2 hour examination (40% of GCSE) at the end of the course, which tests the candidates’ understanding of their specialist area as well as designing, making, materials, sustainability, processes and techniques.

All Controlled Assessment work will be complete by the Easter Holiday (Yr11)

All examination units will be sat in June (Yr11)