Design & Technology

Year 7

Throughout Year 7 pupils will cover the following modules...

In Food Technology pupils learn about basic food technology. Practical activities are used as a vehicle to learn and reinforce making skills to make a variety of dishes.
In textiles pupils will learn about properties and techniques associated with fabric, to produce a personalised pencil case.
In Resistant Materials pupils build on their skills by completing a series of design and make projects.
In Systems & Control pupils have been working on a ‘Sense It Project’ – to design, model and make moisture sensor circuit.

Year 8

Throughout Year 8 pupils will cover the following modules...

In Food Technology pupils have been working on a 'Food Around The World' project.
In Textiles Technology pupils improve and develop their basic skills in textiles by completing a project based on ‘Hand Held Technology’.
In Resistant Materials pupils build on their skills by completing a design and make task based on a games compendium.
In Systems & Control pupils will work on a ‘Buzzing Project’ – to design a steady hand game.

Year 9

In Year 9 Pupils are following GCSE Design and Technology - Short Course in their chosen focus area....

In food technology pupils have been working on a '5 a Day' project. Practical activities revolving around raising awareness of fruits and vegetables
In graphic products pupils further develop their graphical skills by working on a Packaging project
In resistant materials pupils follow the design process to design and make a 'Decorative Box'
In textiles technology pupils improve and develop their skills in stitching and embroidery to complete a design and make project based on ‘Peg Bag’

Key Stage 4

In Design & Technology you have 5 GCSE options to choose from...

Product Design

This course encourages students to design and make quality products with creativity, originality and flair using a range of materials and techniques. Packaging, labelling and instructions are encouraged as part of the complete design proposal and advertising, points of sale, etc can be used to supplement the making experience and help create products which can be evaluated for their commercial viability.

Course aims

Be creative and innovative when designing
To design products to meet the needs of clients and consumers
Consider environmental and sustainability issues in designing products
Consider health and safety in all its aspects
Design for manufacturing in quantity and to be
Aware of current commercial/industrial processes
Generate design proposals against stated design criteria, and to modify their proposals in the light of on-going analysis, evaluation and product development
Reflect critically when evaluating and modifying their design ideas and proposals in order to improve their products throughout inception and manufacture

Food Technology

This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop design and modelling skills and an awareness of the importance of Design Technology in a rapidly changing society. It enables the student to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in food within a design and making approach.

Course aims

To offer an opportunity for students to show their skill in designing and making quality food products
Develop students’ ability to analyse and evaluate products and processes
Engage students in activities through which they can demonstrate and develop practical skills and techniques
To encourage students to recognise the impact the development and manufacture of food products has on moral, cultural and environmental issues

It is expected that pupils will choose and supply their own ingredients and some equipment

Graphics

This course provides the opportunity to develop graphical, designing and modelling skills. It raises awareness of the importance of Design and Technology in today’s society, foster awareness of sustainability and the environmental impact of their designing. It provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of graphic media within a design and making approach.

Course aims

Develop an appropriate use of ICT
Develop communication skills, in a variety of ways
Develop an understanding of materials and construction processes
Develop a range of modelling skills, using a combination of materials
Develop creative thinking
Develop technological awareness
Promote the development of curiosity, enquiry and resourcefulness

Resistant Materials

This course provides the opportunity to develop the student’s designing and making skills. Students are made aware of the design and technology in today’s and tomorrow’s society. Students make decisions about the ‘resistant material’ in which they work, which includes wood, metals and plastics, for a specific task.

Course aims

Develop communication skills
Develop an understanding of materials and construction processes, systems and control
Develop a range of making skills in ‘resistant materials’
Develop creative thinking
Develop technological awareness
Use ICT effectively and appropriately
Be aware of issues of citizenship/values

Textiles

This course provides the students with the opportunity to develop design and modelling skills and an awareness of the importance of Design Technology in a rapidly changing society. It enables the Students to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in textiles within a design and making approach. Students are given the opportunity to follow a fashion route and will learn about and apply a range of manufacturing processes, techniques and technologies appropriate to the design and make process.

Course aims

Develop an understanding of fibres, fabrics and their uses
Develop a range of textile making skills in relationship to industrial methods and practices
Develop creative thinking
Develop technological awareness
Promote the development of curiosity, enquiry, resourcefulness and discrimination
Promote knowledge of environmental issues

Common Assessment for All Technology course

Unit 1 – Written Paper - 40% of total marks

Unit 2 – Design and Making – Control Assessment - 60% of total marks.
Consists of a design and make activity from a broad range of set tasks

All pupils are encouraged to come into the department outside school hours under "School Plus".

Costs and Contacts

Pupils may be asked to contribute towards the cost of the materials they use.

To keep costs down we often use materials and equipment given to the school by local industries. We are always grateful to any companies who are able to help us.

Upper school pupils in particular are always encouraged to consider the business and financial implications of their projects. The involvement of local industries is encouraged.

Many local companies have been able to offer invaluable technical help to our upper school pupils.

Any parents able to offer help in any of these areas please contact Mr. D Joshi.