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How is Electronic Products different from the other GCSE Technology subjects?Electronic Products is similar to other technology options because it is about designing and making products. The materials that can be used are the same i.e. wood, metal, plastic and textile. The main difference is the inclusion of an electronic dimension to enable the product to perform its designated task.
Ø Do you have to be good at Science to be successful in Electronic Products?
No. In the past, students across the whole ability range have taken the subject, enjoyed it and been successful in it. In line with other technology options, success depends on creativity, organisation, self discipline and the ability to work to deadlines. It is possible to achieve high marks in the coursework without a deep understanding of how the electronics work (coursework carries the majority of the marks). An understanding of the science behind the electronics is helpful in the end-of-course exam. Even so, the exam is also testing the ability to design electronic products which involves the designing and making of enclosures, converting circuit diagrams to PCB track layouts, and prototyping etc.
Ø What kind of skills do you learn?
You learn about basic electronic building blocks, their functions and how to combine them to solve problems. e.g. Logic Gates, Timers, Sensors, and Outputs Devices. You learn to interpret circuit diagrams and how to realise them by prototyping them on breadboard or by converting them into Printed Circuit Boards. You learn how to make PCBs and solder them. How to make enclosures (boxes) by vacuum forming. You learn to use a PCB design program and how to use a CNC router for shaping vacuum form plug moulds. You also learn how to fault find circuits. The course also aims to improve your graphical and communication skills. Most of the written work and design work is done using IT; you can expect to use a computer nearly every lesson.
Ø How is the subject examined?
60% of the marks are allocated to the coursework. (This is broken down into 40% for the making part of the project and 20% for the designing part i.e. the folder). Coursework involves designing and making an electronic product using skills acquired during the first part of the course. The remaining 40% is allocated to an end-of-course examination. As in other subjects there are two tiers of paper - tier H for grades A*-D, and tier F for grades C-G.
Ø What does the coursework involve?
Once a project idea is selected (either from a list or a students own choice) a specification is drawn up detailing how the product should function. Students then research their idea looking at similar commercial products. Possible circuit ideas are also researched. Students are not required to invent their own circuits, simply to recycle existing ideas, perhaps modifying them or connecting them to other sub-circuits in a new way. Less able students can simply use a published circuit without modification. If the circuit has been modified or component values changed then it is prototyped (on breadboard) to check the design. The next stage is to design the PCB track layout using Ranger2Xl (we provide the software which can be used at home if desired). PCB designs are then made by a commercial PCB printing company to professional standards. The PCB is soldered in stages, testing that it works at each stage module by module.
The enclosure carries perhaps 10% of the GCSE marks. This can be made at home by cutting and gluing pieces of polystyrene sheet using modelling glue. Most people prefer to vacuum form their boxes to produce curved shapes. The plug mould is made by shaping MDF either by hand or by using the CNC router. Designs for the CNC router can be drawn using virtually any PC drawing program.
The folder that accompanies the project is written under a series of subheadings, usually in PowerPoint. The most important section is the evaluation which compares the results of testing with the details given in the specification. The folder produced is very similar to folders produced in Resistant Materials.
In many ways the Electronic Products project is similar to projects in Resistant Materials but with the added dimension of a PCB. In recognition of this 'extra' dimension, the exam board do not expect the standard of finish or the complexity of the enclosure to match that required for Resistant Materials i.e. less time is spent on it.
Ø Is Electronic Products a suitable subject for girls to study?
Yes - why should boys have all the fun?. Whenever you look at electronic systems you cannot fail to notice how tidy and well organised they are. For reliability they are designed and constructed in a neat and orderly way by methodical, and well organised people. The ability to think and plan in an orderly and disciplined way are skills that girls are often better than boys at. Click here to find out more about women in science and engineering.
Click here to see a list of suitable projects which includes titles of interest to both girls and boys.
Ø Does Electronic Products lead to further courses in the sixth form?
Yes. You can study 'AS' and 'A' level electronics. GCSE Electronic Products is an excellent course for those hoping to study Computing, Physics, Engineering, and Design in Year 12. (You do not have to study Electronic Products to study Electronics in the Year 12 - but it helps!)