Design Technology

Overview

The curriculum focuses on introducing pupils to the fundamental skills of designing and making with a range of materials and products. The course is delivered in a carousel of activities/ topics throughout each year of KS3. Pupils typically complete 5 projects per year in the areas of graphics, food, textiles and resistant materials.

What skills will pupils develop?

In the projects covered, all pupils will:

• Research topics, themes, materials and techniques
• Design creatively and plan how products will be made
• Develop skills to make products
• Safe working
• Make a product
• Evaluate products

What will help pupils to learn?

• Well organised and self-motivated
• Good drawing and creative practical skills
• Willingness to with precision and accuracy
• Determination, commitment and resilience
• Being fully equipped for the subject
• Access to the internet at home
• Having a craft/cooking/practical hobby or interest

KS3 Course Structure

At KS3 the students take part in five projects per year. Typically, pupils rotate to a new project every 7-8 weeks and develop designing and making skills in: 

• Food (hospitality and catering)
• Textiles
• Resistant materials (wood, metal and plastic)
• Graphics (drawing, presenting and making in card)

Projects vary from year to year but challenge increases each time a pupil returns to an area for a new project. For example:

Food:

• Year 7 - Basic cooking skills
• Year 8 - Specialist diets
• Year 9 -  Pastries

Textiles:

• Year 7 -  Juggling bags
• Year 8 -  Doorstops
• Year 9 - Hats

Graphics:

• Year 7 - Packaging
• Year 8 - Celebrations
• Year 9 - Memphis design

Resistant Materials:

• Year 7 - Trinket box and key fob
• Year 8 - Automata
• Year 9 - Mood light

KS3 Assessment

Students will be assessed during each project; these are based on work produced during lesson time. Students will also have the opportunity to embed their knowledge and understanding of the subject by taking part in a wide range of homework activities.  Assessment is used using 1-9 GCSE grades that are in line with GCSE Design and Technology, food and art grades.

KS4 Course Structure

The skills learnt in KS3 provide a foundation for a range of subjects at KS4. Currently, the school does not offer KS4 GCSE Design and Technology

KS4 Assessment

N/A

Staff

Mr D Hughes – Head of Department

Mr C Murphy – Second in Department

Mr A Malone

Miss C Barnett

Mrs P Cotton

Mrs W Hill

Mrs T McDonald

Opportunities out of lessons

• Homework
• Hobbies/interests
• Interventions sessions
• STEM clubs / trips

Career Pathways in this subject

See GCSE subjects on offer such as textiles, graphics and hospitality/catering.