This GCSE course requires products or prototypes to be designed and made and is suitable for students who enjoy creative designing and making, as well as those that prefer a more structured, instructional approach. Whether you are interested in a practical career, in product design, engineering, manufacturing, interior design or simply enjoy making things then this course has a lot to offer.

Resistant Materials covers a wide range of activities based on designing and making products from materials such as wood, metal and plastics. As well as learning hand manufacturing skills you will also use a range of industrial processes to shape and form materials into functioning products or prototypes including modelling with a 3D printer, laser cutting and computer controlled machining.

What will you study on the course?

GCSE Resistant Materials builds on knowledge gained during Key Stage 3 and covers a wide range of activities using the full range of materials experienced at KS3 and many new materials and processes.

In addition to the core technical principals, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of specialist materials and processes used in design & technology and manufacturing to prepare them for the exam and coursework.

They will learn about wood, metal, plastic and modern and smart materials and design in a variety of contexts including industrial and commercial practice, the importance of quality checks and health & safety issues.

How will the course be taught?

The course is taught using a variety of ‘Design and Make’ activities including individual and group work. Students will complete a series of shorter projects focussing on individual materials designed to improve their knowledge, designing and practical skills. A larger, more challenging project provides the assessment marks for the GCSE.