Purpose and Aims of the Course
The National 5 (N5) Design and Manufacture Course, develops skills in design and manufacturing models, prototypes and products, and knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes and materials. Learners also gain an understanding of the impact of design and manufacturing technologies on our environment and society.
At Aberdeen Grammar School we utilise the S.Q.A.’s combined approach for the teaching of N5 Design & Manufacture, where pupils complete the two mandatory units. These being:
- Design
- This Unit covers the product design process from brief to design proposal. It helps learners develop skills in initiating, developing, articulating and communicating design proposals. It allows them to develop an appreciation of the design/make/test process and the importance of evaluating and resolving design proposals on an on-going basis. It allows them to develop an appreciation of design concepts and the various factors that influence the design of products.
- Material & Manufacture
- This Unit covers the product design process from design proposal to prototype or product. It helps 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 a range of manufacturing processes and techniques. It allows them to evaluate, refine and resolve design and manufacturing solutions.
On Successful completion of these units the pupils will complete the course assessment which is made up of the following:
Course assessment structure:
Component 1 — assignment – 90 marks
Design skills (50% of assignment marks)
Learners will produce a folio covering the following areas:
- ideas
- development
- communication
- evaluation
Practical skills (50% of assignment marks)
Learners will produce a prototype in order to evaluate their solution to the assignment task. The prototype will allow learners to demonstrate practical skills in:
- measuring and marking out
- cutting, shaping and forming
- assembly of components
- finishing
The prototype will also allow learners to demonstrate consistency of application of practical skills.
Component 2 — question paper – 60 marks. The question paper is split into two sections:
Section 1 – will represent approximately 40% of the total marks for the question paper. It will consist of a single question, based on a product, and will require extended and reasoned responses.
Section 2 – will represent approximately 60% of the total marks for the question paper. It will consist of four or five questions. The responses will require integration of knowledge and understanding from across the Course. Questions will be based on products which are illustrated or products with which the learners are familiar.
Please find below the link for the Careers in Design and Manufacture Poster.
Please find below, the link for the National 5 Design and Manufacture ‘In a Nutshell’ revision documentation.
N5 revision_designmanufacture