D&T

There are a number of differences to design and technology syllabuses all of which overlap in a range of areas. For this section I have chosen the AQA Design and Technology (Systems and Control Technology) GCSE syllabus as being most relevant. The analysis draws on the design and make and CAD/CAM aspects of the syllabus. If the project had involved LEDs and sensing technology, other areas would have opened up.

Amongst the general designing and making skills which are relevant to the Adapt project, students need to learn how to use graphic techniques and ICT, including CAD, to generate, develop, model and communicate design proposals; to match materials and components with tools, equipment and processes, taking account of critical dimensions and tolerances when deciding how to manufacture the product. They need to use a range of industrial applications when working with familiar materials and processes and use computer-aided manufacture (CAM) in single item production and in batch or volume production. They need to make use of a digital camera.

They also need to understand industrial practices, industrial design and the market; and understand how new designs are developed prior to manufacture through technological advances, and CAD and CAM systems.