Curriculum

Design and Technology

| Education | Curriculum | Design and Technology

Why study Design Technology?

The study of Design Technology unlocks curiosity, exploration, experimentation, and investigation. Through the iterative design process Design Technology challenges and stretches pupils’ creative minds to become innovative designers. This will enable students to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Our Design and Technology curriculum focuses on developing practical skills within key material areas, allowing pupils to learn about industry standards and manufacture products with high quality outcomes. Students use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments.

How will i study technology?

Design solutions are modelled to students. They then combine practical and theoretical skills to design, develop and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, beliefs and values. Students must critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. Regular opportunities are given to apply their Design Technology skills to non-routine problems.

What will i study AT KS3?

Students study Core Technical Principles, Specialist Technical Principles and Design and making Principles. In Year 7 students explore the iterative design process, computer aided design and manufacture and the then polymers as a versatile material for manufacture. Cooking and Nutrition focuses on health eating. In Year 8 students study design skills and mechanisms. Timbers are a focus material. Cooking and Nutrition focuses on sustainability. In Year 9 students study sustainable design and explore recycle and reuse. Cooking and Nutrition focuses on scaling up recipes.

What will I study at key stage 4

Design Technology – Resistant materials

In Key Stage 4 students explore the impact of new and emerging technologies and consider how critical evaluation of them informs design decisions. They then study how energy is generated and stored. The curriculum covers developments in modern and smart materials, composite materials and technical textiles. Students study how electronic systems provide functionality to products and processes. This is followed by the study of mechanical devices and components. The characteristics and properties of materials are explored such as paper and bard, timbers and ferrous and non-ferrous metals. As they progress through Key Stage 4 students go onto an in-depth study of natural and manufactured timber.

Design Technology – Food Preparation and nutrition

In Key Stage 4 students explore the impact of new and emerging technologies and consider how critical evaluation of them informs design decisions. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating.

Curriculum Overview

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
RM – Small wooden animal toy TX – Pencil case and apron (design challenges) FD – Basic nutrition and health eating	RM – Acoustic speaker TX – Teddy bear FD – food form different cultures	RM – Design challenge linked to lighting and recycling materials The amazing Mad hatter hat Masterchef challenge

Eduqas Food Preparation and Nutrition

This is a Key Stage 4 option choice which is delivered by the Technology team.

Overview	Focus
Component 1:Principles of Food Preparation and Nutrition Written examination: 1 hour 45 mins 50% of qualification	Compulsory questions based on stimulus material, and structured short and extended response questions assessing candidates knowledge and understanding of Food Preparation and Nutrition
Component 2: Food Preparation and Nutrition in Action Non-exam assessment: approximately 20 hours 50% of qualification	Two assessments based on a choice of tasks released anually by the exam board. Assessment 1: The Food Investigation Assessment- Scientific principles of preparation and cooking of food Assessment 2: The Food Preparation Assessment- Planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food

Overview

Focus

Component 1:Principles of Food Preparation and Nutrition

Written examination: 1 hour 45 mins
50% of qualification

Compulsory questions based on stimulus material, and structured short and extended response questions assessing candidates knowledge and understanding of Food Preparation and Nutrition

Component 2:
Food Preparation and Nutrition in Action
Non-exam assessment: approximately 20 hours
50% of qualification

Two assessments based on a choice of tasks released anually by the exam board.

Assessment 1: The Food Investigation Assessment- Scientific principles of preparation and cooking of food
Assessment 2: The Food Preparation Assessment- Planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food

Edexcel Resistant Materials: Timbers

This is a Key Stage 4 option choice which is delivered by the Technology team.

Overview	Focus
Component 1:Design and Technology in the 21st Century Written examination: 2 hours 50% of qualification	A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of: technical principles designing and making principles along with their ability to analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology
Component 2: Design and make task Non-exam assessment: approximately 35 hours 50% of qualification	A sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by EDEXCEL, assessing candidates’ ability to: identify, investigate and outline design possibilities design and make prototypes analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.

Overview

Focus

Component 1:Design and Technology in the 21st Century

Written examination: 2 hours
50% of qualification

A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of:

technical principles
designing and making principles along with their ability to
analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology

Component 2:
Design and make task
Non-exam assessment: approximately 35 hours
50% of qualification

A sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by EDEXCEL, assessing candidates’ ability to:

identify, investigate and outline design possibilities
design and make prototypes
analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider
issues in design and technology.

Enrichment Offer

The Department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the Academy in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.

Careers

The study of Design Technology can lead to future careers ranging from Creative Technologist, Lighting Director and Graphic Designer to Mechanic, Construction Manager and Civil Engineer. Famous DT graduates include Vivienne Westwood (fashion designer), Mary Quant (illustrator, fashion designer).