Topic 4 in the GCSE course. Lots more PowerPoints being prepared and uploaded. This one covers energy generation (fossil fuels, nuclear and renewables) Exam questions, discussion and notes to take with diagrams.

A project to develop understanding of branding, aesthetics and packaging design. Using Modelling techniques with blue styrofoam to prototype their designs students will design and then produce an example prototype with packaging that can be evaluated by their peers. Students will also have the opportunity to explore and expand their knowledge of processes including blow moulding of bottles, paper and board types and their use in packaging. this project will run for about 10-15 hours and would be suitable for use in a non-specialist classroom if you are happy to use styrofoam outside of the workshop (warning not to use around carpet as the blue dust is tricky to vacuum up).

A small booklet for students to update with relevant notes when they have been demonstrated and then used a new piece of machinery in the workshop. the booklet stays within their design technology folder for reference as well as a record of the workshop competence. Useful for new teachers to see student’s experiences. Blank pages at back can be used if new equipment is introduced. space for notes, photos and example products. the front section is also set out with hand tools in a similar format to the older style GCSE papers.

SEND friendly safety cards developed for an SEND school. Displayed next to the machines for students to refer to. Colour coded with some symbol support.

A very quick design challenge that is run as part of a homework challenge for year 7 as they enter the school. Once the entire year group has completed we have someone come and judge it for creativity and use of research. The winning designer is given a prize and certificate and if possible their design is drawn up and 3d printed! (A good opportunity for a student in sixth form to assist here) No resources needed other than basic drawing equipment. if you want to push students away from internet research we send them to the school/local library to get their research.

SEND marking codes poster displayed in classrooms to allow students to understand how feedback on their work is given. Good activity to “decode” their feedback on homework in the next lesson.

Topic 19 is a second look at timbers with more detail and hands on approach from the students. following a creative design brief allowing students to explore the design process further (great opportunity to build skills prior to the NEA) and to gain further workshop experience.

Topic 16 of the GCSE PowerPoint Collection Covering ecological and social issues that student’s should develop an understanding of. Activities and discussion points to support learning throughout along with videos and images to bring the topics alive with real-life examples.

Topic 15 of the GCSE Product DEsign course. Exploring the consequences and areas that designers must consider when selecting and using materials in designs and product manufacture. Includes relevant video, discussion points, and activities to spark learning and practice/develop the skills in following the case study of Aluminium production and the creation of a learning resource.

PowerPoint 12 in the series for the Product Design GCSE. COvering metals and alloys. will be a good introduction of a material area or revision. Activities, information presented for note taking, practice exam questions and a practical suggestion to strengthen understanding and provide opportunity to develop working skills with metal.

Topic 14 in the series of GCSE PowerPoints. Not necessarily part of the specification for every product design GCSE but is worth introducing to students as a material area as it can be useful for so many products and careers. Activities, notes and discussion points. A practical that can be done from home or in a limited textiles environment that introduces students to basic sewing skills and simple e-textiles which can be linked back to previous learning on smart and modern materials.

PowerPoint 13 in the set for GCSE Product Design, introducing polymers. Activities, exam questions and discussion points. Useful to have material samples to help alongside this. Covers the two types of plastics, their uses, environmental concerns with plastic use and a practical to strengthen working skill and understanding of material use.

Scales of Production is topic 17 of the GCSE PowerPoints. Students are presented with videos, facts and activities to learn about the different types of production and how/why they may be applied. Creative task for extending knowledge that would be suitable for homework or at home learning.

Topic 18, a more detailed at papers and boards A more in depth look at papers and board, beginning with the source and production of paper before setting a creative brief and design task for students to follow that should allow them to deepen their understanding of using and working with papers/boards. The activity requires lots of cardboard and would be suitable for at home learning if some basic tools were supplied to extend it beyond working with just scissors.

Topic 7 in the GCSE set of PowerPoints. Covering simple mechanisms including levers, types of motions and gears. a good introduction to the topic with questions and a project to create a mechanical toy set to strengthen and develop learning.

The 8th in the series of GCSE PowerPoints. This one covers the scientific selection of materials and their properties. It introduces different keywords used in material selection and also shows industry processes such as the use of bubble charts to find alternative materials for situations.

The ninth in the set of GCSE Product Design PowerPoints. This one covers the topic of papers and boards. It works well as an introduction with students taking notes as well as setting a design activity to explore the content further and develop the students knowledge of printed items.

No 10 in the series of GCSE PowerPoints for Product Design. This one introduces the students to the topic of natural timbers. A very quick introduction to the topic with more coming later int he academic year. See Topic 19. I have covered hardwoods and softwoods, given example materials and their properties. Useful to have lots of timber samples as a handling collection to go with this.

Number 11 in the set of GCSE PowerPoints. An introduction into the use, properties and working characteristics of different manufactured boards. Information presented for students to take notes as well as activities to strengthen understanding and exam practice question.

Perfect for home learning or even in limited workshop space. This booklet includes QR codes to relevant Youtube videos to support learning as students complete a range of research tasks to design the perfect off-road vehicle. They will be encouraged to research suspension as well as designers, product analysis and write a specification. Students will also trial scale drawing and prototyping using card and craft materials.