Clarification details
Updated November 2015. This document has been updated in its entirety to address new issues that have arisen from moderation.
General notes
Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine refers to 2 or 3 axis cutting, routing, embroidery or prototyping equipment that receives numerical control data from a host computer.
Students must make a specified product to address a brief with specifications that require an application of CNC machining. The product could be a model or a component part of a larger outcome.
The specifications must be agreed prior to the product being made. The specifications need to be of sufficient rigour to allow the student to meet the standard.
An understanding of CNC programming in the process of setting up and operating a CNC machine is required. Explanatory Note 5 gives guidance around setting up and calibrating a CNC machine.
Students will typically need to develop a graphical representation of their final design that is of sufficient rigour dependant on the machine type and material(s) used.
Merit and Excellence
Assessors are required to make judgements for Merit and Excellence about the manner in which techniques are implemented, as well as the quality of the finished product.
Annotating an assessment schedule is one way for the assessor to confirm judgements around independence and accuracy (for Merit) and if the student has worked in a manner that economises time, effort, tooling and materials (Excellence). These annotations could be derived from classroom observation and/or discussions with students. Students could also provide evidence by taking and annotating photos or video.