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Design & technology

Curriculum Leader - Mr. R Bennett


Key Stage 3

Throughout the Key Stage students will design and make. Students will have the opportunity to develop drawing and practical skills. They will be encouraged to think creatively, discuss issues relating to society, citizenship, environment and work in group situations. Assessment will be through end of module tests and weekly design and making tasks.

Year 7

At the start of the year all students are introduced to health and safety within the department. Students then follow a carousel that involves food, graphics, product design, textiles, structures and mechanisms.

Projects include:

  • Novelty pen and packaging
  • Structures and Health & Safety
  • Mechanical toy
  • Recycled toy
  • Soups, Salads and snacks

Year 8

Students follow a carousel that involves food, graphics, product design (computer-aided design/manufacture) and textiles.

Projects include:

  • Casting techniques, laser cutting and hand crafts to manufacture jewellery
  • Hats
  • Thickening and setting ingredients
  • Lantern

Year 9

Students will have the opportunity to complete a large design and make a project to produce a range of products such as a clock, pop-up cards/children’s book, food for special needs, cultural foods and miniature garment project based on sustainability. The programme of study mirrors the design portfolio students follow at Key Stage 4. During the year they also complete a focused practical task to build skills in all areas of the subject. At the end of the key stage students do an enterprise project where they become young entrepreneurs to develop a product that can be sold to their peers.



A design & technology class

Key Stage 4
 

GCSE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

(Choice from – Textiles, Product Design, Food & Nutrition or Graphic Products)

Examination Board:       AQA

Syllabus code:              Textiles                    3547

                                    Food & Nutrition        4847

                                    Graphic products      4550

                                    Product Design         4555

Examination:              40%   

Coursework:              60%

Design and Technology allows for individual study in an area that is appropriate and suited to a student’s intended career direction.  Regardless of choice within the subject, all students will benefit from the aims of the subject, some of which are to:

  • foster individual flair and creativity and the ability to innovate;

  • promote initiative;

  • develop practical abilities and confidence to design, make and modify products and systems;

  • enable students to combine designing and making with knowledge and understanding;

  • enable students to consider the social, economic and environmental impact of technological activity;

  • encourage critical and aesthetic abilities;

  • give opportunities to work both as individuals and members of a team;

  • provide activities which call upon and contribute to knowledge and understanding of a range of subjects but in particular mathematics, English, science and IT.

  • Provide an insight into industrial processes such as CAD (Computer Aided Design), CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) and use of CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines.

Textiles                                 Textiles allows those students who have an interest in pursuing studies with materials and associated skills and knowledge, e.g. fashion, interior design and soft furnishings.

Product Design                  This course combines graphic skills using card and modelling techniques with the specialist areas of resistant materials and textiles. Students are expected to produce a three dimensional product and a design portfolio for their coursework. The qualification will allow students to progress onto the product design A-level courses. This qualification is useful to students pursuing a career in design, construction, architecture, engineering, graphic design etc.

Food & Nutrition               This course involves the preparation of food and knowledge of nutritional values.  Students will study a wide range of topics, e.g. functional properties, food production, processing and food safety.  Students are required to prepare food on a regular basis and therefore need to be organised. This examination would be suitable for those wishing to learn about food, nutrition and the properties of food through practical tasks, although it can lead to careers in food science, health and social care and hospitality. It includes topics such as: health & safety and consumer issues.

Graphic Products               This course involves creative design work and prototype model making and/or illustrating.  It is very useful for students who may be interested in following a career in the field of ‘Design’ e.g. architecture, interior design, advertising, graphical illustrating, product design etc.

All specialist areas will involve students paying towards material costs.

Design & technology is an excellent subject to study as a basic requirement for apprenticeships, NVQs and AS/A2 level in Design & technology.  Obviously each discipline lends itself to individual career choices e.g. product design – engineering; textiles – design/costume; food – catering.  This experience when combined with ICT skills is relevant at apprenticeship, further education and degree level.

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