In Design and Technology pupils combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team. Working in stimulating contexts that provide a range of opportunities and draw on the local ethos, community and wider world, pupils identify needs and opportunities. They respond with ideas, products and systems, challenging expectations where appropriate. They combine practical and intellectual skills with an understanding of aesthetic, technical, cultural, health, social, emotional, economic, industrial and environmental issues. As they do so, they evaluate present and past design and technology, and its uses and effects. Through design and technology pupils develop confidence in using practical skills and become discriminating users of products. They apply their creative thinking and learn to innovate.
Curriculum
Years 7 and 8 are taught in pre-determined teaching groups (2 halves of the year) which are mixed ability: Four groups of approximately 24 pupils.
Year 9 select two specialsims; RM or Graphics and Textiles or Food. They study each of the 2 specialsims for 6 months of the year.
At KS4 (Years 10 & 11) students choose to opt for one of the 4 specialisms. Students in all specialist areas begin by forming a broad base from which to draw upon in their GCSE major coursework (which constitutes 60% of the GCSE). Year 10 is broken down into modules before the major coursework is begun.
At KS5 (Years 12 and 13) students are taught in pre-determined, subject specialist teaching groups which are mixed ability (NB. Entry requirement for AS is a grade C or above at GCSE for the relevant D&T subject). Students work on the AS / A2 coursework and theory modules simultaneously as specified in the AQA syllabus. Currently Product Design: Textiles and Food Technology are offered as A Level courses.
Overview of Year Groups
Year 7 begin with an Induction Course, which equips them with necessary terminology and procedures as well as generic techniques used in D&T. They then follow a basic course in each material area to gain experiences of using equipment, processes and machinery.
Year 8 is about the consolidation of work in each specialism; enhancing existing skills and building on knowledge, understanding and experiences.
Year 9 has been re-designed to allow for more focussed progression in 2 rather than 4 specialisms. Students spend 6 months studying 2 subjects, one of which will probably form the base for their GCSE option.
Year 10 is divided into modules covering the majority of the relevant AQA syllabus. Year 10 forms the foundation for the GCSE major coursework which commences in late June of Year 10.
Year 11 is largely taken up with the major coursework project which constitutes 60% of the final grade. This is a design and make task where students research, design, test, model and manufacture a product utilising their material of choice.
Year 12 and 13 follow the relevant AQA syllabus. Both years are a mixture of theory and practical work. Independent study is a basic requirement of these courses.
Overview of Subjects
During Key Stage 3 students are offered the following opportunities that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the concepts, processes and content of D&T.
- analyse products to learn how they function
- undertake focused tasks that develop knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to design and make assignments
- engage in design and make assignments in different and progressively more complex contexts, including for purposes and uses beyond the classroom
- work individually and in teams, taking on different roles and responsibilities
- use ICT as appropriate for image capture and generation; data acquisition, capture and handling; controlling; and product realisation
Textiles is learning about designing and making through the use of fabrics and textiles components
Resistant Materials is learning about designing and making through the use of woods, metals and plastics
Food Technology is learning about designing and making through the use of food ingredients
Graphics Products is learning about designing and making through the use of card, paper and plastics.