1. DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY HELPING YOUR CHILD TO MAXIMISE THEIR MARKS.

2. INTRODUCTION Technology GCSE comprises of three components: 1. Coursework Folder (20% of Final Mark) 2. Practical Work (40% of Final Mark) 3. Examination (40% of Final Mark) It is important to encourage your child to try their hardest to complete each component to the very best of their ability.

3. COURSEWORK Your child is required to produce a folder of paperwork; the nature of this varies according to subject, but will contain research, design ideas and other evidence of their work. Your child will complete a final design idea that they will then produce. Food pupils will trial a number of recipes before selecting and developing a final solution. Folder work can be produced by hand or on a computer, but must be neat and well presented.

4. HOW CAN YOU HELP? Be aware of coursework deadlines and encourage your child to meet them. Encourage your child to complete work at home; especially work that doesn’t need specialised equipment (e.g. writing up work). Help your child to bring the correct ingredients/materials to the appropriate lessons.

5. HOW CAN YOU HELP? Encourage your child to produce work to the very best of their ability. Encourage your child to attend after school sessions, even if they are up to date with their work. Show an interest in your child’s progress and contact the Head of Department or her Deputy with any concerns: Ms. Foulds – jf@snhs.kirklees.sch.ukjf@snhs.kirklees.sch.uk Mrs. McNaught – nm@snhs.kirklees.sch.uknm@snhs.kirklees.sch.uk

6. PREPARING FOR EXAMINATIONS After handing in practical and folder work, pupils will be given the opportunity to complete guided revision sessions in preparation for their GCSE exam. Around March 1st, staff receive a preparation sheet which suggests areas of research and revision that might be useful. Your child will receive a revision booklet reflecting this preparation sheet. They should try their hardest to complete it. It is vital that your child attends all lessons during this time as staff prepare a specialised revision program which covers all the key areas of study.

7. LESSON-TIME REVISION Pupils will be given a number of exam- style questions reflecting the theme of the preparation sheet to practise. Some groups might complete small “mini projects” to help develop their grasp of theory. Pupils will be given the opportunity to revise theory work and practical skills covered over the last 18 months.

8. REVISING AT HOME Pupils should continue to work from their revision guides. They should try to make their notes detailed and clear. Pupils will be given a list of recommended text books, websites and additional reading which they should use to carry out their own revision and research at home. Practice exam questions will be available for use at home. Examination materials will be available for use by the pupils at home on Moodle (our virtual learning environment).

9. THANK YOU Showing interest in your child’s coursework can only encourage them to try harder. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them now or contact your child’s Technology teacher during the day. Please feel free to take a copy of the resources provided.