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: