FOR AS and A2 LEVEL DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS

WHAT IS IT?

• An award scheme for AS and A2 level students integrated into their coursework for either level.
• An opportunity for students to work on genuine case studies and product analyses within a variety of world-wide contexts, all of which have sustainability issues at their heart.
• A scheme to help students explore environmental, economic, social and moral issues in Design & Technology.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

• Preparatory information days for teachers.
• Sustainability information packs containing possible contexts (agreed with participating exam boards), background information, sources, references and assessment criteria will be available for students and teachers.
• Website offering online information and support
• Enquiry service providing students with exam-board ratified back-up information and feedback on designs, materials and manufacture, based on real clients in European and southern hemisphere countries.
• Expert enquiry and feedback service available throughout the students' course from initial exploratory stage to the final production process.
• Student study weekends at Loughborough University and the Centre for Alternative Technology exploring sustainable technology issues with experts in design and technology.
• Assessment by teachers in accordance with assessment criteria agreed with examination boards.
• Students' work will be posted on the interactive website.
• Awards for students whose work meets the sustainability criteria that can be used in their student portfolio and for further education entry.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

• The scheme will be run in Wales by the Centre for Alternative Technology under the overall management of ITDG (Intermediate Technology Development Group), a development charity with offices in the UK and seven overseas countries with a wide experience of developing sustainable technology.
• ITDG will also operate in partnership with Loughborough University and other organisations with acknowledged expertise in the field.
• The scheme is backed by the examination boards (OCR, AQA, Edexcel and WJEC) and The Design and Technology Association (DATA).

HOW CAN SCHOOLS GET INVOLVED?

• From early 2003 onwards, details will be sent out to all schools with AS and A2 level candidates giving enrolment details.
• For further information about the award and to register your interest, please contact Ann MacGarry, Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ 01654 705963, ann.macgarry@cat.org.uk