Design Technology
Contact
Head of Technology - Mrs S Dunlop
‘A brilliant design will always benefit from the input of others’
Zaha Hadid - Female Architect
This is a memorable way of saying if you give your brain enough relevant knowledge and information from investigating, testing, and working with others, you will be able to generate your own ideas. It is very difficult to create something out of nothing. Most designers will accumulate and then innovate!
Subject Overview
Purpose of Study
Technology is an inspiring, rigorous, and practical subject. In the Technology department we believe it is important to teach pupils how to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. Students will explore a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing, and art. Students will learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising, and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they will develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth, and well-being of the nation.
Aims
In Technology the curriculum will enable students to:
- Explore Design:
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Gain a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills connected to design and manufacture overtime.
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- Create (Design & Make):
- Apply new knowledge and skills to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
- Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise, needed to perform tasks confidently and to participate successfully. Focus on material choice, manufacturing types and technology.
- Evaluate:
- Evaluate the work of others and test their ideas and products.
In Cooking and Nutrition the curriculum will enable students to:
- Understand and apply the principles of health and nutrition
- Learn how to cook using a range of equipment and culinary skills including preparation of ingredients and application of heat
- Learn how to use and adapt recipes.
Click here to view the Curriculum Overview
Key Stage 3 Overview
We follow the National Curriculum for Design and Technology at Key Stage 3
In years 7, 8 and 9 students will experience different ‘skill area’ projects over 3 terms. Through a variety of creative and practical activities, students will be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They will appreciate links to commercial practice through applying new knowledge and skills in computer aided design, manufacturing, food and textiles. They will work in a range of contexts, for example, the home, health, leisure, and culture. They will also evaluate the work of others to inspire creative thinking.
Key Stage 4 Overview
GCSE Design and Technology
Subject Content
We follow the AQA Syllabus (8552) at Key Stage 4, across year 10 and 11. The course is linear which means the creative non-exam unit (NEA project) and written examination unit will be assessed at the end of year 11. Each unit represents 50% of the GCSE grade.
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical and contemporary design, social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.
Aim
The GCSE Design and Technology specification aims to build on students’ experience from KS3. The course content will provide the opportunity to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the iterative design process of exploring, creating, and evaluating. The majority of the specification will be delivered through the practical application of this knowledge and understanding.
Level 2 Hospitality and Catering (WJEC/Eduqas)
Subject Content
We follow the Level 2 Hospitality & Catering at Key Stage 4, across Year 10 and 11. The course is linear which means the non-exam unit and the written examination unit will be assessed at the end of year 11. The coursework unit represent 60% of the final award and the examination represents 40%.
Level 2 Hospitality & Catering will encourage students to prepare a wide range of dishes and to be able to make informed decisions about food and nutrition. They will acquire knowledge that will enable them to feed themselves and others affordably, nutritiously, now and later in life.
It is an ideal course for students who may choose a career in the hospitality and catering industry.
Aim
The Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the Hospitality and Catering sector and provide them with opportunities to develop associated practical skills. It covers the hospitality and catering industry and hospitality and catering in action.
Key Stage 5 Overview
A Level 3D Design
Subject Content
We follow the AQA Syllabus at Key Stage 5, across Year 12 and 13. The course is linear which means the creative non-exam unit, the Personal Study (60% of GCE grade) and practical controlled test (15 hours - 40% of GCE grade) will be assessed at the end of year 13.
In Year 12 and 13, students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of three-dimensional media, processes and techniques. They will be made aware of both traditional and new media including architectural modelling, sculpture, polymer forming, ceramics, sublimation printing, virtual modelling, laser cutting, 3D printing.
Students will explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales. Students may use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work, where appropriate.
Aim
Students will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples. This will be integral to the investigating and making process.
Students will work to four assessment objectives which will be demonstrated in a range of given contexts and expressed creatively through their portfolio content and skills presented. They should be aware of the importance of creative process as well as a final outcome. The four assessment objectives are: AO1-Develop ideas; AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, refining developments; AO3 - Record ideas, observations and reflecting critically on work and progress; AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response making connections between visual and other elements.