SubjectsDesign & Technology

Our Curriculum Intent

The Design and Technology Curriculum has been designed to inspire and enable students to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Drawing on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Students learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

In line with the National Curriculum, the Design Technology Department aims to ensure that all students:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.

• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.

• critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.

Implementation 

Students are taught Resistant Materials in mixed-ability groups. Projects have a strong focus on different elements of graphic design such as isometric drawing, perspective drawing and rendering designs to a high standard. Curriculum Organisers are used to support learning in lessons, communicating key knowledge and explaining techniques. The curriculum is a mix of practical lessons alongside supporting theory. Independent home study tasks are designed to support learning in lessons. Literacy is incorporated into lessons through reading aloud key text, analysing briefs and application of subject-specific terminology in the correct context.

At Key Stage 3 students complete design and make projects. They design products based on research carried out. Students learn the importance of skills such as accurately marking out, joining methods and the aesthetics of a product as well as the use of modern technologies to manufacture products alongside traditional hand skills. Students have the opportunity to evaluate their designs, making use of technical terminology.

At Key Stage 4 students study AQA GCSE Design Technology. Students complete an individual NEA project and an externally assessed examination. Students following the GCSE course study a broad range of materials including woods, metals, plastics and fabrics and the manufacturing processes associated with them. They learn about the work of specific designers and design companies such as James Dyson, Apple, Braun and Alessi. In preparation for completing the NEA task throughout the course, students complete practice projects to ensure they are equipped with the skills needed to be successful such as writing a brief and specification, technical drawing and rendering skills and application of theoretical knowledge related to materials and manufacturing processes. Maths is also a key part of the course with this aspect being worth 15% of the final examination mark.

At Key Stage 5 students complete an A Level in Product Design. Students write their own briefs to solve a genuine problem for an identified client. They further develop their understanding of industrial processes and the work of a range of influential designers across time. The course is taught as a mixture of exam theory and NEA completion, with a mock NEA being completed in year 12. As part of their NEA students manufacture a fully working prototype of their final design solution.

Impact 

At every Key Stage, students are assessed on key tasks in line with the Academy’s Cycle assessments. Students’ grades are constantly reviewed, and additional support is given to students in any area that needs development, within and outside of lesson time. Regular work scrutiny and Department meetings identify students or classes that need lesson adaption or a varied approach to fulfil all students’ potential. Assessments are used to inform the planning and delivery of lessons and to monitor progress. Through this, misconceptions are identified and addressed to ensure good progress is made.

At Key Stage 3 students complete identified pieces of work in each cycle to demonstrate their learning and progress.

Students in examination groups particularly enjoy the practical element. GCSE Design Technology enables students to develop key life skills and to help them make informed choices as consumers later in life. The course has a strong focus on environmental issues and the role of both the designer and consumer within this, allowing students to make moral and ethical choices about their purchasing and use of products.

Students wishing to study the subject in higher education could complete engineering degrees in many different disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, chemical or environmental engineering. Or a degree in Product Design could be completed.

For students wishing to follow a more vocational route, there is a range of apprenticeships that link to an interest in design technology, including junior product designer, theatre set carpenter, civil engineering technician and plumbing.