Curriculum

Design & Technology

| Education | Curriculum | Design & Technology

Why study Design Technology?

Design Technology enables pupils to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design and by working with different resources, materials, and tools. As a result, pupils gain technical and design awareness, and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity.

Design Technology is in ever more demand in today’s 21st century, where practical skills are highly valued, and many individuals choose to run their own businesses and create their own products.

Studying this subject, in its unique and differential ways, allows for pupils to apply general knowledge and turn everyday activities into useful learning strategies.

How will I study Design Technology?

Pupils study Design Technology through project-based tasks. The curriculum teaches pupils to think creatively, and it encourages them to solve problems in innovative ways. They will use an iterative design process, in textiles, food and design technology. They will learn how electronic systems work and how to manufacture products that meet the needs of others. They will analyse and engage with existing materials and equipment including laser cutters, router, sewing machines and kitchenware. Pupils will utilise CAD/CAM technology and learn how they could apply their understanding in various situations. They will demonstrate their skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. Pupils will learn how to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve real-world problems in an exciting and engaging way. Ultimately, pupils become confident, competent, and creative designers who can think critically within a range of contexts.

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

Pupils will analyse and explore existing products in order to develop their creative thinking and design skills. They will work to design briefs in all areas of Design Technology and develop products that address the needs of others.

During Year 7, pupils will design and make items including a textiles and CAD CAM storage product, comic design and a key ring. In food, they will learn to build an understanding of healthy eating, commercial and organic farming, fair trade and the importance of minimising waste. Within all areas of Design Technology, they will learn to use specialist hand equipment and the classification, source and properties of materials.

During Year 8, pupils will design and make a bookend, study influences on food choice and learn to confidently use the sewing machine. They will explore several ideas, concepts and approaches to understanding the best possible solution.

During Year 9, pupils will use workshop tools to make a picture frame, they will explore the impact of fast fashion in textiles as well as learning more about food hygiene and safety.

What will I study at Key Stage 4?

At KS4, pupils can choose to study Engineering or Hospitality as part of the Design and Technology curriculum. The knowledge and skills that have been acquired during KS3 Design Technology provide a strong foundation for this qualification. Design and Technology allows pupils to work to a choice of theme to develop and explore areas of their chosen focus material. They will investigate the work of existing artists and designers and explore their use of materials, techniques and processes. They will create a design brief based on a contextual starting point, through a series of research and practical-based tasks. They will immerse themselves in the creation of products following an iterative design and make process which responds to client feedback. As they develop their skill and understanding, they will refine their ideas and gain confidence through further research and development. Pupils will gather inspiration from primary sources and first-hand experiences to help them design and make innovative products which solve real life problems.

Assessment at Key Stage 4

GCSE Design Technology

Overview Focus
Component 1: Written Exam (1 hour and 45 minutes) 50%
Calculators may be used in the examination

Section A of the written exam is the same for all pupils; this covers the Core specification content.

Section B is specific to their chosen material and covers all specification content in Material Categories 3-Papers and boards, 6-Textiles, 7-Timbers
Overview Focus

Component 2: Controlled Assessment (approx. 35-40 hours) 50%
Contextual challenge set by exam board

 Students respond to a starting point provided by Edexcel. This response provides evidence of the student’s ability to work independently within specified time constraints, design iteratively and explicitly address the requirements of all six assessment objectives

TECHNICAL AWARD LEVEL 1/2 Engineering

Overview Focus

Component 1 & 2: Controlled Assessment 60%

Students have 5 units to complete looking at various parts of the engineering industry.

  • Engineering sectors
  • Design Solutions
  • Materials, Components & Processes
  • Product Disassemble
  • Manufacture a product
Overview Focus

Component 3: Written exam 40%
Paper 1: 2 hours, 30 marks
Paper 2: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Students respond to an engineering brief. The written exam consists of two papers. Paper one, Students are given an investigation to carry out, they will record data, make observations and .draw conclusions. Paper two students are given a product then asked to evaluate the design, redesign and conclude how their design is an improvement.

TECHNICAL AWARD LEVEL 1/2 Hospitality and Catering

Overview Focus
Unit 1: Written Exam (1 hour and 30 minutes) 40%

Students will complete an on screen, e-assessment, consisting of short and long answer question, based around applied situations within the hospitality and catering industry.
Overview Focus
Unit 2: Controlled Assessment 60%
Contextual challenge set by exam board

Students respond to a starting point provided by WJEC. This response provides evidence of the student’s ability to work independently within specified time constraints and explicitly address the requirements of all three assessment outcomes.

Enrichment

KS4 after school sessions are offered weekly and open to all pupils that have opted for any subject within the faculty. This gives pupils the opportunity to continue their exploratory work and receive 1:1 feedback and guidance.

Careers

The study of Design Technology in resistant materials, food and textiles can lead to future study and professions such as Software Game Developer, Chef, Nutritional Therapist, Art Curator, Graphic Designer and all areas of Engineering.

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