Design and technology encourages pupils to think creatively and to become problem solvers, as individuals and as members of a team. They develop the skills to identify opportunities and needs and the capability to respond to them by developing a range of ideas, making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of resistant and compliant materials, graphics and modelling media, aesthetics, social and environmental issues, design and manufacturing practices. Through design and technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and become innovators.
Facilities
The Design and Technology department is situated in a state-of-the-art, fully resourced building adjoining the Art Department. High technology plays a significant role in the delivery of this subject: the design and technology suite is therefore fitted with industry standard equipment including CAD/CAM, interactive white boards, design software and a dedicated IT suite. The suite is also resourced for the delivery of woodwork, metalwork, electronics and textiles (compliant materials).
Year 7
Initially pupils are introduced to the study of design and technology through a series of practically based projects: designing a braking system for a child’s pram, designing a wooden spatula, creating a piece of metal jewellery, manufacture of a compliant material product such as a fabric pouch and a purely graphics based project such as designing a bookmark using CAD/CAM technology. These projects create opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of design, their knowledge and understanding of materials, control systems, structures and practical skills. Most of the projects will be individual projects, but the buggy and bookmark projects will test pupils’ ability to work collaboratively with others.
Year 8
Pupils are encouraged each year to further develop their design and making skills, together with knowledge and understanding, to design and make quality products. Projects develop in complexity each year; building on the skills previously learnt, introducing further techniques and the use of IT. In Year 8 pupils are introduced to plastics, electronics, use of resistant materials and exploring mechanisms, use of CAD/CAM and textiles through project based work. Projects are group based and individual in order to test both a pupil’s ability to work on their own initiative and as part of a team. Examples of projects include design and making a plastic clock, an electronic badge, a golf ball ‘retrieval’ device and a textile hat project.
Year 9
The complexity of projects increases incorporating the skills developed in previous years and extending knowledge in all key areas of resistant materials. Pupils look at structures and work on designing and developing a bridge, a motorized buggy and kite.
Years 10 and 11
Board GCSE
The course aims to encourage students to develop and sustain their own innovation, creativity and design and technology capability. The GCSE course will suit those who are problem solvers and enjoy challenges within design and construction. It aims to increase the knowledge, understanding and skills of design production processes to the three main groups of materials: woods, metals and plastics.
Project work represents 60% of the final mark. The project is chosen by the student and developed from the design brief with research through initial ideas and development of a chosen idea, planning for construction, before making the product. The folder involves a large amount of ICT work.
The GCSE course is weighted as follows:
Examination 40%
Coursework 60%
Coursework will consist of a project where candidates will be expected to design and make a quality resistant materials product. The project can be linked to a candidates’s own interests, industrial practice or the community.
Year 12
Board AS
Previous study at GCSE level is essential. The course requires an in-depth understanding of scientific principles and technological concepts. The AS level is the natural progression for students and continues much of the work started at GCSE but in much greater depth.
The AS-Level includes:-
|
Module 1 |
Case Study |
30% |
|
Module 2 |
Product Study coursework |
40% |
|
Module 3/4 |
Product Design |
30% |
Model 1: Case study
This module requires the student to produce a study folder displaying an understanding of the broad issues surrounding modern technology.
Model 2: Product study (coursework)
A major project, concentrating on design and realisation of a problem, chosen by the student. This project will be undertaken through the course and will be marked internally but moderated externally.
Module 3/4: Product Design
This module incorporates all stages of designing a product enabling students to demonstrate their complete understanding of the processes involved and execute the theory through practical example.
This module incorporates the following areas:-
Product Analysis
Properties
Materials
Testing
Processing of Materials
Jointing Processes
Corrosion and Decay
Organisation of Production
Manufacturing Processes
Industrial and Commercial Practices
Health and Safety
Year 13
Board A2
Following on from the AS there are three further units.
The A-Level includes:-
|
Module 5 |
Designing coursework |
15% |
|
Module 6 |
Making and evaluating coursework |
15% |
|
Module 7 |
Product design A2 |
20% |
The areas of study for modules 1,2 and 3 are the same as the A1 syllabus.
Module 5 and 6: Major Project
Design folder based project – topic of own choosing; leading to Module 6
DESIGN – MAKE – EVALUATE
Module 7
In depth knowledge of Wood, Metals and Plastics with an awareness of Textiles,
Paper and Card.
Enriched Curriculum
The teaching of design and technology is enriched by organised visits to the V & A and Design Museum each year. The subject is very popular with pupils and there are lunchtime and after school clubs to enable pupils to develop their interest further. At present there is a model makers club for year 7, a textiles club for year 8 and a jewellery club for year 9. Years 10,11, 12 and 13 benefit from after school project assistance.
