Design and Technology

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Intent

It is key for students to have a deep understanding of Design & Technology to comprehend the rapidly changing world around them. A grasp of the impact humans have on the environment and how the world of Design & Technology can support the improvement of this is a focus of our subject. Increased importance is being placed on identifying real world problems and through investigation, exploration, and iterative design processes delivering real world solutions.

By providing students with the relevant knowledge it is expected that they can develop their critical thinking skills to generate ideas and present their solutions in a range of formats. Students will develop teamwork, interpersonal and presentation skills and a sense of their place in the world.

In Key Stage 3 students will explore a range of Design & Technology focus areas, including Food, 3d Design and Timbers. They will cover a range of materials and equipment, with a focus on building subject knowledge to support the development of practical skills. At Key Stage 4 students will have chosen one of the focus areas of Food, 3d Design or Product Design and will explore their chosen subject in much more depth.

Rationale: The National curriculum in England.

‘Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they 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’.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239089/SECONDARY_national_curriculum_-_Design_and_technology.pdf

Objectives

Our curriculum is organised in such a way that it provides our students with the opportunity to develop academy values and they can be successful in their learning to become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Our strategic intent is therefore very simple – we strive to create a curriculum which:

  • Provides a diversity of knowledge, which over time, cumulatively builds to provide the social, cultural and environmental awareness and responsibility of learners.
  • Includes a focus on literacy that enables students to function in society and communicate clearly with justification and reasoning.
  • Enables all students to enjoy learning and experience success, developing a passion for the things they pursue.
  • Considers individual needs and can show empathy/ awareness for those less fortunate.
  • Creates a culture of high expectation and aspiration, building independent learners who are passionate and inquisitive about Design & Technology.
  • Develops confident and responsible individuals who can make a positive contribution to society and live safely and independently.

Implementation

Key Stage 3

In KS3 students will work on a rotation of Food, 3d Design and Product Design. Although each area has a different subject knowledge and skillset, common features like context exploration, research, design, development, manufacture, testing and evaluation will be consistent.

Using the National Curriculum as our framework, The Design and Technology department aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
  • build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
  • critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
  • understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

Key Stage 4

At KS4 students can choose from one of the focus areas (Food, 3d Design or Product Design) and will explore this chosen subject in much more depth. Exploration of the subject content will support students in developing a deep knowledge and understanding of the specific subject area, with a focus on research, design, development and manufacture. Students must be able to demonstrate an independent approach to their work, being able to problem solve, design and produce a high-quality outcome.

Review and Evaluate

The DT Department are continually striving to develop their own teaching practice, drawing upon the latest research, exam marking experience, and meeting with our wider network of schools. Our curriculum is therefore a “living document” that is reviewed and reshaped according to the needs of our students, to ensure they achieve their potential, and go on to flourish in the wider world.

Further Information

If you require more detailed information, please email the Head of Department. Mrs L Field:

Year 7

What will I be studying?

In Year 7 pupils will experience a rotational timetable of the three different Design and Technology subjects including 3D Design, Product Design and Food.  Each rotation lasts approximately 10 weeks allowing pupils to develop their skills in these different areas. Designated time is allocated for them to enhance their drawing and presentation skill base.

Food –Students will apply learning about health and nutrition whilst working independently in the kitchen to prepare healthy and balanced dishes. Students will learn the principle of kitchen safety to avoid risks and hazards when preparing food.

Product Design – Students will gain an understanding of the design process. They will demonstrate working safely and independently with timber in the workshop to create a timber-based desk tidy. Students will learn how to accurately use hand tools and machinery in this project.

3D Design– Students will design using the theme ‘The outdoors indoors’ and will study paper craft and the application of decorative techniques to create 3d objects using a range of tools used in papercraft. Students will develop their creativity to design, present and annotate their work.

Career Links

• Engineer • Architect • Product developer • Manufacturing • Graphic designer • Food Scientist • Nutritionist • Catering • Manufacturing • Graphic designer • Fashion

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed using key skill and knowledge indicators during the design and making process.

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their homework set by their subject teacher. They have access to an online database of tutorials and guides. Task information will be set via TEAMS.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

https://www.technologystudent.com/

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/

Year 8

What will I be studying?

In Year 8 pupils experience a rotational timetable of the different Design and Technology subjects including 3D Design, Product Design and Food.  Each rotation lasts approximately 10 weeks allowing for pupils to develop their skills in these different areas. Designated time is allocated for them to enhance their drawing and presentation skill base.

Food - Students will learn about health and nutrition linked to different life stages. Students will develop their practical skills linked to staple foods and foods on a budget.

Product Design –Students will develop an understanding of how to use Computer-Aided Design software (CAD) which will link to a polymer recycling project.

3D Design – Students will explore a range of materials suitable for 3D design products. Students will design and make a concrete light design using a range of components to include recycled products.

Career Links

• Engineer • Architect • Product developer • Manufacturing • Graphic designer • Food Scientist • Nutritionist • Catering • Manufacturing • Graphic designer • Fashion

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed using key skill and knowledge indicators during the design, making and evaluation process.

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their homework set by their subject teacher. They have access to an online database of tutorials and guides. Task information will be set via TEAMS.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

https://www.technologystudent.com/

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/

Year 9

What will I be studying?

In Year 9 pupils will experience a rotational timetable of three different Design and Technology subjects including 3D Design, Product Design and Food.  Each rotation lasts approximately 10 weeks allowing for pupils to develop their skills in these different areas. Designated time is allocated for them to enhance their drawing and presentation skill base.

Food- Students will learn about sustainability and the environment. They will use seasonal and locally sourced ingredients coupled with pastry making techniques to create healthy, sustainable and flavoursome dishes.

Product Design – Students will develop their practical skills using a range of hand tools and industrial machinery and processes to create a variety of accurate wood joints to support the GCSE making skills. Students will gain knowledge of several types of wood, their origins and uses.

3D – Students will research, design and make 3D food packaging using the theme of ‘fast food’. Learning will include making nets, logo design, colour theory and pattern making. They will apply craft skills and ICT skills to make their 3D prototype.
 

Career Links

• Engineer • Architect • Product developer • Manufacturing • Graphic designer • Food Scientist • Nutritionist • Catering • Manufacturing • Graphic designer • Fashion
 

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed using key skill and knowledge indicators during the design, making and evaluation process.

 

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their homework set by their subject teacher. They have access to an online database of tutorials and guides. Task information will be set via TEAMS.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

https://www.technologystudent.com/

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/

KS4 - 3D Design

What will I be studying?

3D design is an exciting and creative course which focuses on improving the application of practical skills and safety in using tools to make a range of high-quality products. The course will build the confidence of students in a workshop environment to explore 3D design and manufacture.

This course has been designed to develop knowledge and understanding of various media that can be used to create design with a three-dimensional aspect. It builds on skills to explore, create and communicate own ideas from a given brief.

 Areas of study can include: • Architectural Design • Sculpture • Product design • Interior design • 3D digital design

Students will work in a practical way, exploring different media to create projects, understand the functional properties of materials and combine to make design become reality.

Career Links

The 3D-design course will help with further study of any design course. The research and project management skills that you develop will also prepare you for the rigours and independence of A-Level study

 • Architect • Product developer • Manufacturing • Graphic designer • Fashion

How will I be assessed?

96 marks • 60% of GCSE :Students will produce a portfolio that demonstrates progression of their design and practical skills. The portfolio will include evidence from several projects that show trials and experiments as well as final pieces of 3D work.

96 marks • 40% of GCSE :Students will respond to a contextual challenge externally set by the exam board. The externally set assignment provides the opportunity to demonstrate creativity and the ability to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and understanding, including drawing skills and written annotation. Preparation time is allocated prior to completing the timed activity.

Which examination board am I following?

AQA (9-1) GCSE Art, Craft and Design: 3d Design

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their portfolio of work as homework every week. Students are expected to work on their portfolio after school sessions and from home.

Students will complete personal research topics from a variety of primary and secondary sources to support their personal portfolio.

KS4 - Product Design (Timbers)

What will I be studying?

Product Design (Timbers) is an exciting and creative course which focuses on improving the application of practical skills and safety in using tools to make a range of high-quality products. The course will give students a strong understanding of the functional properties of materials and their working characteristics.

This course sets out to secure the knowledge, understanding and skills required to design and make a range of projects. Understand properties of different materials and apply these principles into practical design tasks. The course will be delivered through practical and paper-based activities covering a range of topics that include: • Timbers • Metal • Polymers • Paper & boards • Systems
 

Career Links

The understanding of materials and their properties will support students looking to continue their study of design and engineering. The practical skills developed will also support students moving into areas of the building trade.

 • Engineer • Architect • Product developer • Manufacturing • Graphic designer
 

How will I be assessed?

ASSESSMENT Unit 1: Written examination 50% 1hr 45 minutes 100 marks. The paper consists of two sections. Section A – 40 marks. This is assessment on core content using different styles of questions such as open response, graphical or calculation. 10 marks in this section will be from calculation. Section B – 60 marks This is an assessment on knowledge of timbers using different styles of questions such as open response, graphical and calculation. 5 marks in this section will be from calculation.

Unit 2: Non-exam assessment 50% 100 Marks Students will select a contextual challenge and create a portfolio that include investigation, design, practical and evaluation tasks. The NEA project will start in the June - last half term of Year 10 and continue in Year 11.

Which examination board am I following?

Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Design and Technology: Timbers  

   https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/design-and-technology-2017.html

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their coursework/exam unit for homework every week. Students are expected to work on coursework from home. They have access to an online database of tutorials and guides.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize                                   https://classroom.remembermore.app/

https://www.technologystudent.com/

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

Ks4 - Hospitality and Catering

WJEC Hospitality and Catering Level 1/2

 

What will I be studying?

Externally examined unit

‘In this unit, you will learn about the different types of providers within the hospitality and catering industry, the legislation that needs to be adhered to and the personal safety of all of those involved in the business, whether staff or customers. You will learn about the operation of hospitality and catering establishments and the factors affecting their success.’

https://www.wjec.co.uk/media/55bnplb2/wjec-level-1-2-award-in-hospitality-and-catering-spec-a-from-2016-e-1.pdf

 

Exam content

  • LO1 Understand the environment in which hospitality and catering providers operate
  • LO2 Understand how hospitality and catering provisions operate
  • LO3 Understand how hospitality and catering provision meets health and safety requirements
  • LO4 Know how food can cause ill health
  • LO5 Be able to propose a hospitality and catering provision to meet specific requirements

Internally examined unit

‘In this unit you will gain knowledge of the nutritional needs of a range of client groups in order for you to plan nutritional dishes to go on a menu. You will learn and develop safe and hygienic food preparation, cooking and finishing skills required to produce nutritional dishes’.

 Coursework content

  • LO1 understand the importance of nutrition when planning menus
  • LO2 understand menu planning
  • LO3 be able to cook dishes

 

Career Links

Food Blogger, Chef Nutritionist, Food Photographer, Food Stylist, Food Technician

 

How will I be assessed?

Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry will be externally assessed Duration: 90 minutes Number of marks: 90

Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in Action is internally assessed

Which examination board am I following?

WJEC Level 1/ 2 award Hospitality and Catering

https://www.wjec.co.uk/media/55bnplb2/wjec-level-1-2-award-in-hospitality-and-catering-spec-a-from-2016-e-1.pdf

 

Which websites should I use to support my learning?

Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their coursework/exam unit for homework every week. Students are expected to work on coursework from home. They have access to an online database of tutorials and guides.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize                                 

https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/

https://classroom.remembermore.app/

https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/