Component 1 content Topic Included in A level

Component 1 - content Topic Included in A level Included in AS 1. Materials Y Y 2. Performance characteristics of materials Y Y 3. Processes and techniques Y Y 4. Digital technologies Y Y 5. Factors affecting the development of products Y Y 6. Effects of technological developments Y Y 7. Potential hazards and risk assessment Y Y 8. Features of manufacturing industries Y N 9. Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment Y N 10. Current legislation Y N 11. Information handling, modelling and forward planning Y N 12. Further processes and techniques Y N

A level component 1 – assessment The written paper is ramped in difficulty and has a range of short and extended response questions plus maths calculations A level includes more explain and evaluation The following questions illustrate some examples: 3(b) - ‘describe using labelled sketches’ 4(b) - maths 4(e) – new content 5(a) – ‘state’ 5(b)(i) – ‘explain’ 6 – ‘discuss’, new content 8 – ‘evaluate’ extended writing

Command words • A consistent use of command words will be used within the examination papers • A list of the command word and their definitions can be found in Appendix 5 page 62 and 63 of the A level specification

Command words • Give / state / name are really synonyms. They generally all require recall of one or more pieces of information. This type of question is the most basic • Each question or part question is worth a single mark.

Command words The example shown below requires two additional tools that could be used for marking out and as such is basic recall for two marks as indicated by the (2) shown in brackets A ruler and pencil are two of the tools used to mark out the ‘L’ shape to be removed. (a) Give two additional marking out tools that could be used for the ‘L’ shape. (2) 1 ………………………………… 2 …………………………………. .

Command words • An explain type question requires a reason or set of reasons qualifying the answer • It is worth noting here that an ’explain’ type question can be worth either 2 or 3 marks • If the question is worth 3 marks an additional point or reason or justification will be required

Command words The example below requires an answer which gives a reason as to how a laser cutter could be used to achieve the contrasting coloured squares supported with some element of reasoning / justification The chessboard will be made from a single piece of plywood and needs to have contrasting light and dark square. (a) Explain how a laser cutter could be used to achieve the contrasting squares (2)

Command words • Using notes and/or sketches requires a graphical depiction with annotation, usually related to an account of a ‘process’ showing the steps or stages of the process in the correct sequence / order • The number of points / depth of answer required will be indicated by the mark allocation (b) Describe using labelled sketches, the process of die-casting (4)

Command words • An ‘evaluate’ type question requires the critical review of information gained from analysis. • The answer needs to bring information together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence, data, (scientific, mathematical), including strengths and weaknesses, using relevant information.

Command words The information given in the question needs to be reviewed and brought together in the form of a conclusion, drawing on the relevant data given