Level 1/2 Technical Award in Materials Technology

Title of qualification

Exam Board

AQA

What will I learn?

This is the new Level 1/2 Technical Award which is ideally suited to students who prefer practical learning and are tailored with a focus towards creativity.

Unit 1: Skills demonstration

You will carry out a number of mini projects in order to demonstrate 12 given skills. You will make a number of small making outcomes and record in a folder of no more than 12 pages.

Unit 2: Extended making project

You will make a larger scale project which demonstrates the skills and knowledge developed in Units 1 and 3. During this project you will develop skills in planning and development, making, testing, evaluation and communication. Examples of projects are:

Create a piece of jewellery.
Create a child’s toy from sustainable materials.
Create a piece of furniture for the home.

Unit 3: Fundamentals of materials technology

(Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes)

How will this course be assessed?

Unit 1: 30% of the overall qualification (internally assessed)
Unit 2: 30% of the overall qualification (internally assessed)
Unit 3: 40% of the overall qualification (externally assessed)

The overall grade for the course will either be PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION (assuming all of the criteria has been met).

What skills do I need?

If you have enjoyed Product Design and Engineering in Key stage 3 and enjoy designing and making products using wood, metal and plastic then this is a course for you to consider. There is more weighting towards practical work rather than theory, though you must produce written reports to accompany your making.

What is next for me after this course?

The qualification can lead to Level 3 vocational qualifications such as NVQ Carpentry or Manufacturing and Production, alternatively A-level Design and Technology: Product Design.

Are there any restrictions with this course?

This is a new course which has yet to be approved by the Department for Education for teaching in September 2018. Therefore, if approval is not gained before June then this offer will become BTEC Level First Award in Engineering.