What are the three Unit 2 optional areas of study, and how does each build on the core?
Unit 2 optional areas of study: Option A electronic and microelectronic control systems, Option B mechanical and pneumatic control systems, and Option C product design.
A CCEA GCSE Technology and Design answer on the Unit 2 optional areas of study: Option A electronic and microelectronic control systems, Option B mechanical and pneumatic control systems, and Option C product design, and how each option deepens the relevant core content.
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What this dot point is asking
CCEA wants you to know the structure of Unit 2: it is the optional written unit, and a candidate studies one of three areas of study - Option A electronic and microelectronic control, Option B mechanical and pneumatic control, or Option C product design. Each option deepens the matching part of the Unit 1 core.
The answer
How the qualification is structured
So Unit 2 lets a candidate specialise in the area they are most interested in or best at, while everyone shares the same Unit 1 core.
Option A: Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems
This builds directly on the systems approach, components, logic gates and microcontroller content in the electronic and control systems module.
Option B: Mechanical and Pneumatic Control Systems
This builds on the mechanisms and motion module and the pneumatic systems and control module.
Option C: Product Design
This builds on the designing and materials-and-manufacturing modules.
Choosing an option
Worked example: matching a learner to an option
Examples in context
- Example 1. A robotics enthusiast
- Chooses Option A, building on sensors, logic and microcontrollers, and makes a control-based project.
- Example 2. A maker of machines
- Chooses Option B, building on gears, levers and pneumatics, and makes a mechanism-based project.
- Example 3. A product designer
- Chooses Option C, building on materials and manufacture, and makes a designed product such as furniture or a consumer item.
Being able to name the three options and explain what each covers lets you answer both the "name the options" and the "which option suits this learner" questions.
Try this
Q1. How many Unit 2 options does a candidate study? [1 mark]
- Cue. One (out of the three available).
Q2. Name the three Unit 2 optional areas of study. [3 marks]
- Cue. Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems; Mechanical and Pneumatic Control Systems; Product Design.
Q3. Which option deepens the mechanisms and pneumatics content? [1 mark]
- Cue. Option B, Mechanical and Pneumatic Control Systems.
Q4. Is the Unit 1 core content changed by the option chosen? [1 mark]
- Cue. No - everyone studies the same Unit 1 core; the option only sets the Unit 2 exam.
Q5. Suggest one factor a pupil should consider when choosing an option. [1 mark]
- Cue. Their interests and strengths (and the focus of their Unit 3 project).
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of CCEA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
CCEA style3 marksName the three optional areas of study in Unit 2 of CCEA GCSE Technology and Design.Show worked answer →
Award one mark for each correctly named option:
Option A: Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems (1).
Option B: Mechanical and Pneumatic Control Systems (1).
Option C: Product Design (1).
A candidate studies and is examined on one of these three options in Unit 2.
CCEA style4 marksA pupil enjoys building circuits with sensors and microcontrollers. State which Unit 2 option suits them and explain what it covers.Show worked answer →
Option A, Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems, suits them (1). It builds on the core electronics by going deeper into input, process and output subsystems (1).
It covers components such as transistors and capacitors, logic, timing circuits, and programmable control with microcontrollers (PICs) (1), so it matches a pupil who likes sensors and microcontrollers (1).
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Sources & how we know this
- CCEA GCSE Technology and Design specification — CCEA (2017)