Subject: Design and Manufacture
National 4
Design and Manufacture Skills
The aims of the Course are to enable learners to develop:
- skills in the design and manufacturing of models, prototypes and products
- knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes and materials
- an understanding of the impact of design and manufacturing technologies on our environment and society
The course consists of 3 units:
Design: This Unit covers the product design process from brief to resolved design proposals, including a specification. It helps learners develop skills in initiating, developing, articulating and communicating simple design proposals. It allows them to develop an appreciation of the design/make/test process and the importance of evaluating and resolving work on an ongoing basis. It allows them to develop an appreciation of design concepts and the various factors that influence the design of products.
Materials and Manufacturing: This Unit covers the product design process from design proposals to prototype or product. It allows learners to ‘close the design loop’ by manufacturing their design ideas. It allows learners to develop practical skills that are invaluable in the design/make/test process. It helps them gain an appreciation of the properties and uses of materials, as well as simple manufacturing processes and techniques. It allows them to refine and resolve design and manufacturing solutions.
In both Units, learners will gain knowledge of design and manufacturing technologies and how these impact on our environment and society.
Design and Manufacture Project: This Unit adds value by introducing challenge and application. Learners will draw on their range of design skills, knowledge of materials and practical skills, in order to produce an effective overall response to a project brief. The brief will relate to a straightforward product design scenario. The response will include a prototype or a completed product.
Learners will be able to extend and apply their knowledge and skills through the project. The brief for the project will be sufficiently open and flexible to allow for personalisation and choice. Learners will use skills and knowledge acquired through the Units to develop the discrete aspects and overall presentation of the project. Assessment
To achieve the Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit.
All Units are internally assessed against the Unit Specification. They can be assessed on a Unit-by-Unit basis or by combined assessment. They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. SQA will provide rigorous external quality assurance, including external verification, to ensure assessment judgments are consistent and meet national standards.
Progression
This Course or its components may provide progression to:
- other SQA qualifications in Design and Manufacture or related areas
- further study, employment or training