Exam Board: OCR

Type of course: GCSE

How is the course assessed?

1 Non Assessment Exam TASK = 50%

1 Written examination (2hr) worth 50% of course

What topics / units will you study?

The external assessment will cover the core content. The core content provides pupils with a breadth of study and the material categories provide pupils with a depth of study. This component brings together the learners' core and in-depth knowledge and understanding.

• Core knowledge of Design and Technology principles demonstrates learners’ broad understanding of principles that all learners should have across the subject.
• In-depth knowledge allows learners to focus more directly on at least one main material category, or design engineering.

The non-assessment exam allows pupils to explore the needs and requirements of a user, create solutions to meet those needs and evaluate whether the needs have been met. This component offers the opportunity for learners to demonstrate understanding of, and skills in, iterative designing, in particular:

• The interrelated nature of the processes used to identify needs and requirements (explore)
• Creating solutions to meet those needs (create)
• Evaluating whether the needs have been met (evaluate).

As an outcome of their challenges, learners will produce a chronological portfolio and one final prototype. It is through the iterative processes of designing that learners draw on their wider knowledge and understanding of Design and Technology principles.

How to be successful

Pupils must be able to work independently and creatively with their ideas and concepts. They must be able to communicate ideas well and present these in a number of forms. They also need to enjoy practical activities and be good problem solvers, with the resilience and perseverance to continue with difficult tasks.

Design and Technology is an excellent opportunity to develop pupil skills and knowledge through a mixture of practical tasks focusing on finding solutions for different design scenarios and theoretical exploration. Pupils will follow a series of theoretical and practical lessons in which they will develop their understanding of the design and apply their learning to design and make creative product solutions.

Design and Technology is a subject that brings learning to life, requiring learners to apply their learning to real-life situations. This qualification aims to relate authentic real-world awareness of iterative design practices and strategies used by the creative and manufacturing industries. Learners will be required to use critical thinking, leading towards invention and design innovation, to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

What extra-curricular activities are there?

• Design practical activities
• Visit to a live clothes show
• Art gallery visits

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

Design Technology A levels include design courses, fashion design, product design, textiles design, art and design courses. Employers like applicants who can solve problems, work independently and be creative. Independent thinkers are desirable to employers.

Who can you speak to for more information or if you have any questions?

Mrs. M. Edwards in 1Tx1 or Mrs. K. Cook in Bridgewater FLZ Office

Exam Board: WJEC

Type of course: Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering Technical Award

How is the course assessed?

1 examination (1hr 30 Minutes) worth 40% of course:

Exam questions will come from a series of 5 different learning objectives and will be delivered with both short and extended answer questions based around applied situations.  Pupils will get 1 opportunity to re-sit this exam throughout Year 11. An internally assessed unit worth 60% of course pre-set by the exam board and focusses on pupils' ability to safely plan, prepare, cook and present nutritional dishes.

What topics / units will you study?

The Hospitality and Catering Industry (Exam)

Pupils will gain an understanding of the environment in which hospitality and catering providers operate, understand how hospitality and catering provisions operate in the kitchen, understand how hospitality and catering provision meets health and safety requirements, know how food can cause ill health and be able to propose a hospitality and catering provision to meet specific requirements.

Hospitality and Catering in Action (Coursework/NEA)

Pupils knowledge will be demonstrated by their ability to understand the importance of nutrition when planning a menu, understanding menu planning and being able to cook successfully in the kitchen. Most of these elements will be practical and pupils will be tested on their ability to know their way around a kitchen and apply some of the theory they have learnt.

Hospitality & Catering is an excellent opportunity to develop pupil skills and knowledge through a mixture of practical and theoretical exploration.  Pupils will follow a series of theoretical and practical lessons in which they will develop their understanding of the Hospitality & Catering Industry and apply their learning to create and cook a variety of different dishes.

How to be successful

To be successful, the pupil must have a genuine interest in how this industry operates. A passion for cooking, whether this be through attending extra-curricular clubs or helping at home, are essential. An individual who can work independently and is self-motivated and has the ability to carry out research. You must have the ability to manage deadlines and manage your time appropriately.

What extra-curricular activities are there?

• During the period of study there may be the opportunity to:
• Visit an industrial kitchen
• Cater for an event within school
• Contribute to the catering of an event outside of school

What opportunities does this qualification help you to have?

There are a number of courses you can select at college to continue your journey in Hospitality & Catering, such as Vocational courses including: Culinary Skills, Professional Cookery, and Patisserie and Confectionery.
Food and beverage activities make up 60% of employment in the Hospitality, Tourism and the sport sector. The hospitality industry is the 3rd biggest employer in the UK, accounting for 3.2m jobs through direct employment. Typical job roles include: chef, butcher, catering manager, events manager and patissier.

Who can you speak to for more information or if you have any questions?

Mrs. K. Cook in Bridgewater FLZ Office