Curriculum Intent
Design and Technology is an inspiring, challenging and technical subject that encourages students to learn and think creatively to design and make high quality products. Students acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as Maths, Science, Engineering, Computing and Art.
Open Evening Flyer
Aims
We aim to create design-literate students who can design and make high quality products independently with a good technical knowledge gained to support their learning. Students will evaluate past and present design and technology, developing a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. We also aim to develop students to be eco-designers, thinking about materials use and efficient design which is increasingly important in modern life.
Learning Journey
Design Technology Learning Journey- Key Stage Three
Key Stage Three Overview
At Key Stage Three, students design and create a number of innovative and exciting projects, using the latest modern technology.
They are introduced to Computer Aided Design and Manufacture and Solidworks, alongside opportunities to use our manufacturing equipment.
They learn a number of transferrable skills, such as team-building and health and safety. See our learning journey above for more details.
Key Stage Four Overview
In year 10, students undertake a range of small projects developing skills in different material areas, including:-
- Storage containers including learning about joints and living hinges. This is all CAD/CAM based with assembly of products
- Drinks glass and packaging – developing graphics skills, and CAD/CAM skills.
- Pizza cutter – a project where ergonomics and anthropometrics is important, developing skills using hand tools and machines.
- Egg cup holder – analysing the work of past designers, learning the importance of prototyping and developing a concept
- Modern anglepoise light – a project that uses concrete, metal, acrylic and wood
Theory work will be included every week throughout the GCSE, as students have a 2 hour exam at the end of year 11 that counts for 50% of the GCSE.
In June of year 10, students will start working on the Non-Examined-Assessment element of the GCSE that counts for 50% of the course. This is a large project which includes around 25 slides of work in Google slides and a prototype of a product designed by the student and it must be completed by Februrary half term of year 11. After the NEA is completed, students finish preparing for the exam to be sat at the end of the course.
Key Words
We aim to support students in their literacy across all curriculum subjects. We provide key word lists as a teaching and learning tool to support student understanding of the technical vocabulary needed to articulate their learning about a particular subject.
Trips and Extra Curricular Activities
- KS4 – Harry Potter Studios
- KS4 – Design Museum
- KS4 – Mini Factory, Oxford
- Year 11 – after school support
Staff
Miss J Newman – Leader of Design Technology
Miss K Donovan – Teacher of Art & Design Technology