Mr R Brewster, Mr L Pearson and Mr P Kidby (DT Technician)

Technology Head of Faculty: Mrs S Bakerwood

At KS1 and 2 the aim was for students to:

• Design an object with key features to appeal to a specific person/ purpose
• Making freestanding structures of different shapes and sizes
• Learn to create different textural effects with materials
• Measure, mark and cut materials to create structures
• Improve a design based on peer evaluation
• Using joining methods to decorate fabric products
• Be aware of recycling and recycled materials

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. 

Year 7

Students are introduced to Health and Safety in the workshop and undertake three small projects using mainly hand tools and working with timber, metal and plastic to build their confidence and key skills. Basic knowledge and experience with electronic circuits, textiles and drawing techniques are introduced and there are opportunities to start using some of the machine equipment under supervision.

Year 8

In year 8 students continue to build on their practical skills using Timber, Metal, Plastic and Textiles in more complicated projects. They will also begin to develop design skills by customising products to suit either themselves or other users. Mechanisms are introduced as well as a wider range of equipment and techniques.

Year 9 

In year 9 students develop their knowledge of Design History by creating a product based on a well known Design Era of their choice and using a more complicated skills and practices.

After the GCSE options have been made students pursuing Design Technology in KS4 will have the opportunity to undertake a mini GCSE style Design and Make project as well as to experience working in a group with their peers.

Assessment at Key Stage 3

Core theory is taught to all year groups using short sessions at the start of lessons and is reinforced through the Knowledge Organiser homework tasks.

There are two Knowledge Weeks per year where theory knowledge is tested and opportunities are given to strengthen and improve this area.

DT Long Term Plans - Year 7

DT Long Term Plans - Year 8

DT Long Term Plans - Year 9

In Year 10 students will undertake a range of skills based projects to revisit and improve on the skills developed throughout KS3.

Health and Safety will be paramount as although students are still directly supervised they are expected to work far more independently and to understand the correct use of all tools and equipment that has been previously covered.

New techniques and equipment are introduced as necessary throughout the course and students will continue to develop their design skills alongside their practical abilities. 

DT Long Term Plans - Year 10

DT Long Term Plans - Year 11

Useful websites

and resources

https://padlet.com/rbrewster8/n7tf80if74g2a4id

AQA DT:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zvg4d2p

http://www.technologystudent.com/despro_flsh/NEW_GCSE3.html

Possible areas of future Studies

Students can go on to study Design Technology at A Level as well as a range of vocational courses such as BTECs, NVQ/SVQs, and diplomas in subjects including :

• Graphic design
• Fashion styling
• Art and design
• Media
• Engineering
• Photography
• Construction and building services
• Motor vehicle – technology and repair

Possible future careers

Graphic designer, engineer, product designer, service technician, architect, computer games designer, fashion designer, mechanic, construction site manager, furniture maker and designer, garden design, advertising, automotive design, aviation design, marine design etc.