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KS3 Electronics KS4 Graphic Products

Members of Staff and Roles/Responsibilities

Mr R Mander Subject Leader

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KS3 Scheme 2014
Subject Overview

Key Stage 3 Systems and Control

Students will be taught about a range of practical applications for the 'real world' within the Electronics course. A range of existing products will be studied to inform creative approaches to designing and making interactive commercial products. Students will be taught Graphic Communication skills as part of the course through product design development. An awareness of the importance of aesthetic qualities in achieving high quality practical outcomes is taught through a range of practical activities.
Electronics is the study of parts or components, which work together to control a machine or gadget.  At Sir Jonathan North we focus on simple electronic systems which all have an input, a process, and an output, for example an egg timer has a switch (input) to start the timer(process) and a buzzer(output) to sound when the egg is ready.
The study of practical skills in Electronics can include -
•Electronic, microprocessor and simple computer control systems and how they are used for different commercial products.
•Assembly of simple systems into a subsystem.
•Feedback and how a variety of inputs can give rise to outputs which make products suitable for a variety of end uses in our everyday lives

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KS3 Structure
Progression within Systems and Control

•Year 7. An introduction to electronics and how circuits are manufactured. Students will explore how electronic components are connected together to create a circuit that has a moisture sensing input and L.E.D output. They will learn how to solder the components together and check for mistakes. Students will also be taught graphic design skills to enable them to create a net for their product case.
•Year 8. Building on the electronics/ graphic skills developed in year 7, year 8 are required to examine how electronic components can be used to create different states in a circuit using capacitors and transistors, for example making a 2 state LED rear bike warning light.
•Year 9. Year 9 are required to explore a light sensing circuit, create a case using a Computer Aided Design, design an original image based on the theme of “Emoji’s or Emoticons” that will be etched on the light gathering plastic via a laser cutter. 

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KS3 Content


Design a product that can measure moisture in soil and alert you when the soil is dry
How electrons work.
How does a resistor work?
How does an L.E.D work?
How to solder a circuit.


Design a product that has a variable timer with a sound output” e.g. an egg timer or tooth brush timer
What is a Transistor?
What are Capacitors?
Modelling circuits virtually.
Programming Programmable Integrated Circuits (PICS).


Design a product that is activated by the dark
How a circuit can measure light intensity.
Explore how to create a timer output signal.

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KS4 Option
GCSE Graphic Products


Skill building
Research for GCSE Controlled Assessment
Communicating Ideas
Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Manufacture
Designing a Product outcome


Designing a Product outcome
Evaluation and Client feedback
Materials, manufacture, production and finishes.
Corporate identity, Symbols and ideograms.
Quality Control, Quality Assurance and flowcharts.
Social, moral, cultural and environmental issues.
Patents, copyright

GCSE Graphic Products
In 2015, media planners estimate television will grow by 15-18 per cent, print by 8-10 per cent, and digital media by 30 per cent. In 2013, the media sector is estimated to have grown 7-8 per cent. Read more at

More and more organisations are recognising the importance of good design; there are more openings in Graphic Design than in any other area of design - in television, film, websites, social media, advertising agencies, design studios, in-house company departments and consultancies as well as in the freelance sector.

Who is it for?

This course would suit students who are creative and enjoy drawing, painting, and using digital media like Photoshop, making 3D models that promote, inform and persuade people to buy products. You should be willing to explore new creative skills, problem solving challenges and use Photoshop to realise your vision.

What will I learn?

You will learn how to:-

  • Use images to convey ideas and information.
  • Create unique board games, mobile phone packaging, cinema standees, children’s activity packs and so much more.
  • How information is communicated covertly, to make you buy a product and then stick with that product.
  • Use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create professional looking posters and packaging.
  • You will also explore graphic persuasion techniques used to attract a target market.
  • How to use tools and software used by professional designers.

What will I study?

You will study the AQA Graphic products syllabus: Course 4550. Your controlled assessment consists of approx. 25 sheets of drawing and written evidence and a 2 hour written exam.


How will I study?

The emphasis is on making high-quality 2D and 3D prototypes, using compliant art materials (paper, card, vinyl and thin plastics). There are 12 design contexts to choose from. Your coursework will focus on designing a creative and original solution to 1 of those contexts. You will be required to construct a model, and test your solution before using Photoshop and Illustrator to add the finishing touches.

What exams are there?

The AQA Graphic product syllabus overall weighting is:  coursework 60% (folder and 3D model) and a written exam 40% (2 hrs.).

Career Information

Possible job opportunities include:
Graphic Design; Web Designer; Animation Design; Product Design;  3D Designer; Film Production; Interior Design; Freelance Design; Packaging Designer; Digital Designer; Magazine Mac Operator.


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