What is our vision in Design Technology ?
In design and technology, we aim to create opportunities for students to: Work independently and in teams to produce creative and innovative design solutions to real world problems. Apply knowledge and theory from DT and other related subjects (STEM) linking to the design and development of ideas. Develop practical skills working with a range of tools, equipment and machines and with a variety of materials. Use evaluation skills to critically assess their own work and that of others whilst considering the impact of these designs in the current world and the future.
Food & Nutrition
In food and nutrition, we provide opportunities for students to: Work independently and in teams to develop an understanding of how ingredients work and why. Apply knowledge and theory from Food and other related subjects (STEM) linking to; nutrition and health, food science, food safety, food choice, food provenance and food preparation skills. Work independently to plan and demonstrate a wide range of sweet and savoury recipes, selecting and using a variety of suitable equipment safely and hygienically. Use evaluation skills to critically assess their own work and that of others, considering; nutritional value, technical skills, sensory analysis and environmental impact
DT curriculum learning journey
DT at KS3
During KS3, students will learn skills and processes that will prepare them for both our GCSE Engineering course at KS4 as well as the Hospitality and Catering Vocational qualification. This is achieved through a range of projects designed to cover the curriculum in Design and Technology, including areas such as:
- Electronics
- Textiles
- Mechanics
- Fabrication
- Woodwork
- Graphics
- Computer Aided Design
- Computer Aided Manufacture
- Food and nutrition
The Food and Nutrition course, which runs alongside Design and Technology, prepares students for our course in Hospitality and Catering.
Year 7
Students will complete projects including Mechanical Toy, which develops skills in project management and mechanisms and The Money Box, which shows them how basic electronic circuits work and develops their skills of manufacture using the various machines in the department. In food and nutrition, they are taught the importance of healthy eating and basic cooking methods by following a series of recipes.
Year 8
In year 8, our students will build on the knowledge and skills they have learnt in year 7. They will complete a Mobile Phone Holder project using the material of wood. In addition, they will further their knowledge of CAD/CAM and product design when completing the Mood Light project. In food and nutrition ,they will look at international cuisine, where they will cook main meals including sauce making.
Year 9
Year 9 are moving into more complex solutions with the Metal Stand Project and the Acrylic Flat Pack project. This develops their skills and knowledge of how our machines work with Computer Aided Design and will allow them to look at the fabrication of metal products. In food and nutrition, students will learn how to adapt recipes to incorporate the needs of people with different dietary requirements and learn to work with pastry. This is based around the theme of festival food.
Curriculum learning grid in Y7
Curriculum learning grid in Y8
Curriculum learning grid in Y9
Support for students
DT at KS4
Everything around us has been designed, then manufactured, transported and sold. Design and Technology: Product Design will give an understanding of where all these products come from, how they are made and why they exist. Environmental issues, cultural issues and moral issues. Learning how to do technical drawing and how to work with a wide range of tools, machines and materials. Most importantly the subject will allow each student to be creative and to enjoy discovering design and making opportunities.
WJEC Hospitality and Catering
Year 10s will look at the hospitality and catering industry in unit one and hospitality and catering in action in unit two. This will enable them to build on and develop more complex practical skills as well as teach them about menu planning and catering in a commercial environment. At the end of the course students will achieve a level 1 or level 2 (Equivalent to GCSE) in Hospitality and Catering.
AQA GCSE Engineering
Year 10s will work on various projects building on skills and knowledge learned in KS3. Subjects include construction, bridge design, electronics and aerodynamics. In year 11, students will work on a Non Examined Assessment worth 50% of their GCSE and finish with a two hour theory exam for the other 50%.
OCR Child Development
Students study for the Cambridge National Level 1/2 Award. In year 10, they study child development theory for an exam and complete coursework based on the equipment needed for young children as well as health and nutrition. In year 11, students complete a second piece of coursework on the theme of children’s play and development.
Extended Learning Opportunities in DT
There are a number of trips including the design museum and the science museum where students problem-solving and design tasks. There are also many after-school projects based around competitions and cross-curricular activities.
Further Education & Career Pathways in DT
Useful revision websites
How can parents and carers support learning?
Showing an interest in the work they are doing in Design and Technology.
Speaking about items in the news of a technological nature.
Help with homework and stress the importance of producing the best work of your child’s ability
