GCSE Electronics
Welcome
On this page you will be able to find all sorts of information that will help you with your controlled assessment and revision for exams. Remember to keep checking back as new information is added all of the time.
Downloads
All revision material is on google classroom.
Course Overview
This course covers the design and manufacture of a range of modern electronic products, from circuit design to the design of the casing to hold the electronics and be aesthetically appealing to the end user. All the way through the subject they will be learning about new components and materials to assist them with their controlled assessment and their examination.
More information can be found on the Edexcel website.
Assessment
The controlled assessment project accounts for 60% of the final GCSE grade and the terminal examination 40%.
Home Learning Policy
Homework is set approximately every 4 lessons. At some point in the year homework will be used to cement subject knowledge. At other times, homeworks will be used to support controlled assessment tasks. Some will be designed to be completed at home, other times students will need to use the resources of the department to complete their homework. Students have access to the department any lunchtime, on Mondays after school as part of our ‘controlled assessment clinic’ and on Wednesdays with prior arrangement with their teacher.
Year Plan
| Assessment date | Topics to be assessed |
|---|---|
| Y10 December | Mock Coursework: Circuit Design, Making PCB’s Casing |
| Y10 April | Y10 Mock Exam Printing, Plastics, Plastic forming, Card and paper, Environmental Issues |
| Y10 June | Design Section: Controlled assessment up to and including circuit and case design to be submitted for assessment |
| Y11 November | Y11 Mock Examination |
| Y11 January | Designing section of controlled assessment submitted for assessment |
| Y11 April | Manufacturing section of controlled assessment submitted for assessment |
| Y11 May / June | Final External Examination |
Coursework
Controlled assessment consists of two separate projects.
The ‘designing’ section of the controlled assessment runs from April of Year 10 until Christmas of Y11. Here students will research, generate design ideas for and develop a product. The product can be anything that involves electronics to suite its design or solve a problem/gap in the market.
Once pupils have completed this section they then start the ‘manufacturing’ project where student’s making skills are tested, they can either make their product they have designed or opt to make a new product. Students typically manufacture a range of devices using a range of hand skills in the workshop and CAD based skills such as Making printed circuit boards on computer and then etching them, soldering components and then making the case using the department’s Laser cutter. This project runs from January to March in Year 11.
Useful Links
Controlled Assessment
- I am stuck knowing what I will be assessed on (PDF)
Click above to download the assessment criteria for your Designing and Making Controlled assessment, reading this will ensure you get top marks in the exam.
Need Help in Lessons or Rivising?
Search for the following publications in the library:
| Title | Author | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials – GCSE Design and Technology, Electronic Products. Revision Guide | David McHugh, Publisher – Letts and Lonsdale |
978-1-906415-58-8 | £4.99 |
| Essentials – GCSE Design and Technology, Electronic Products. Workbook | David McHugh, Publisher – Letts and Lonsdale |
978-1-906415-59-4 | £4.99 |
Revision
Click on the names for more information.
- Electronics Specification (PDF)
Click above to download the specification from the exam board. We use the Edexcel exam board. This document lists everything that might come up in the exams. Read through and use it as a check list to make sure you have covered everything in your revision plan. - Sample Exam (PDF)
Click above and you will get an examination from the exam board. This document will show you what type of questions may be asked and how they will be laid out. - Sample Answer (PDF)
You will not need it but here is the answer paper for the exam.