Students at Castlebrook will study Electronics in Years 8 & 9 and then have the opportunity to take Electronic Products as an option at GCSE in Years 10 & 11. Pupils will design and make a variety of products.

Yr8 - Steady Hand Game

Using a simple L.E.D and buzzer circuit, pupils will solder components onto a prefabricated circuit board.  When the loop touches the ‘wiggly wire' the LED lights and the buzzer sounds.

Yr9 - Moisture Tester Project

Using a more complex transistor circuit, pupils will solder components onto a prefabricated circuit board.  When inserted into the soil of a houseplant, the device should indicate, through an L.E.D, whether the plant has enough water.

Both Year 8 and Year 9 projects are accompanied by a written folder which follows the Design Process.

GCSE

In conjunction with developing and building on existing subject knowledge pupils will design and make two circuits in Year 10; a timing circuit which will form part of a completed timer product and an additional circuit using a Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC).

These practical activities enable students to pick up new skills and increase their knowledge and understanding of Electronics, including the developing technologies available to schools. 

Towards the middle of the Summer term, pupils will choose their final project which they will begin before the summer holidays and continue to work on in Yr11. 

Pupils must produce a complete and effective Electronic Product to a high standard and an accompanying Portfolio, containing evidence of coursework using the design process.

Pupils will also sit a written exam in May/June.  For more information visit http://www.aqa.org.uk/