Welcome to the Design & Technology Department
The Design & Technology Department delivers three discrete subject areas: Product Design, Food Technology and Textiles.
Our Aims and Objectives
- To stimulate and maintain student interest, enjoyment, curiosity and concern about technological aspects of the environment, both local and otherwise in Design and Technology.
- To enable students to become familiar with the knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary of Design and Technology.
- To become confident and competent in designing and making a quality product and to enable students to evaluate and improve upon a design or product.
- To ensure that all students regardless of ability, race, gender or culture have full access to the curriculum and provide a range of teaching styles that enable full access.
- To develop an awareness of the role of Design and Technology in development of the modern world and to develop an enjoyment in solving technological problems.
- To develop the skills which enable students to make reasoned decisions about the implications of technological advances.
- To develop through Design and Technology a range of desirable personal qualities that will enable students to become confident, committed and co-operative members of society.
- To encourage students through a supportive assessment programme to recall and apply knowledge and skills outlined in the schemes of work.
- To provide a safe and secure working environment for all students and staff.
- To enable students to achieve through project work.
- To develop skills essential for product evaluation.
- To provide activities that enable students to model in 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional form.
- To provide opportunities for students to discuss technological issues in a ‘real life’ setting.
- To promote the use of ICT in both developing and communicating ideas.
- To develop a range of high quality practical skills to facilitate the making of high quality products in all areas.
Our Facilities
The Department is made up of six specialised rooms dedicated to delivering all aspects of D&T. They comprise of:
- A Computer Suite
- A Graphics Room
- A Multi-purpose Workshop
- A Machine Room
- A Food Room
- A Textiles Room.
Curriculum Content
Key Stage Three
All of our students follow The National Curriculum Programme of Study. They are allocated one double lesson a week (100 minutes) and the classes are mixed ability, approximately 19 students per class and follow a carousel arrangement.
Key Stage Four
GCSE Design & Technology: Product Design - AQA Code: 4555 - Specifications
Course Content - What Will I Study
This new course provides opportunities for students to develop an awareness of the nature and importance of communicating ideas through a wide range of mediums,including wood, plastic, metal, card, smart materials and various modelling materials.
- You will be taught various drawing styles to communicate ideas; formal freehand and drawing using computers.
- You will learn all the practical skills to enable you to realise your design ideas; you will work in a range of materials to produce high class models and prototypes.
- There will be a Strong emphasis on CAD, CAM & ICT.
How will my progress be tested and examined?
- Controlled Assessment design and make of the candidates own choosing. (60% of the GCSE Qualification)
- Final Examination (40% of the GCSE Qualification)
GCSE Design & Technology: Textiles - AQA Code: 4570 - Specifications
Course Content - What Will I Study
- Design concepts and sustainable textiles design.
- The impact of design on lifestyle and the influence of culture on design.
- How to design, plan and make quality products.
- Research, design and model functional prototypes.
- What ‘smart’ and modern materials are and how fabric is constructed.
- Develop skills of creativity and critical analysis through making links between the principles of good design, existing solutions and technological knowledge.
- How to integrate and use ICT applications such as CAD(Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) into the design and make process.
How will my progress be tested and examined?
- Unit 1: Introduction to design and making. (Controlled Assessment 20 hours) 30% of GCSE Qualification.
- Unit 2: Making Quality Products (Controlled Assessment 20 hours) 30% of GCSE.
- Unit 3: Sustainability and Technical Aspects of Designing and Making (1 hour, 30 minutes written examination) 40% of GCSE Qualification.
GCSE DT: Food Technology Year 10 - AQA Code: 8585 - Specifications
GCSE DT: Food Technology Year 11 - OCR Code: J302 - Specifications
Course Content - What Will I Study
- Nutrition and Health: the function and role of nutrients; the relationship between food choice and health, including how to make the necessary changes in order to make healthy eating choices.
- Food Commodities: how to prepare and cook the major food commodities, such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, vegetables and fruit and cereals and their nutritional value.
- Meal Planning: how to meet the nutritional needs of different groups in the population.
- Food Preparation and Cooking: developing your practical skills using a wide range of techniques, including the effective use of food processing equipment and different methods of cooking food.
- Food Safety and Preservation: understanding and practising food safety, including the storage and preservation of foods and the role of additives.
- Consumer Education: marketing and advertising strategies used to promote food and equipment, food labelling and the rights of consumers.
- Make decisions, consider sustainability and combine skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make quality products.
- Explore ways in which aesthetic, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social dimensions interact to shape designing and making.
- Analyse existing products and produce practical solutions to needs wants and opportunities recognising their impact on quality of life.
- Develop decision making skills through individual and collaborative working.
- Understand that designing and making reflect and influence cultures and societies, and that products have an impact on lifestyle.
- The course has a large practical element and students must be prepared to bring ingredients to school frequently.
How will my progress be tested and examined?
- Controlled Assessment 1 - Unit A521: Introduction to Designing and Making.
- 30% of the total GCSE marks - 20 hours
- Internally assessed and externally moderated
- Controlled Assessment 2 - Unit A523: Making Quality Products.
- 30% of the total GCSE marks - 20 hours
- Internally assessed and externally moderated
- Written Examination - Unit A525: Sustainability and technical aspects of designing and making.
- 40% of the total GCSE marks 1 hour 30 minute written paper
- Externally assessed
Progression - How will the study of Design & Technology benefit students’ future education and career?
- Graphics
- The Content of the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for students, whether they wish to pursue the study of Design and Technology in the future or whether it will be their last experience of studying the subject.
- For those students thinking of a possible career in a design based subject, the ideal progression would be to continue Design and Technology at AS and A2 in Product Design or Graphic Design.
- Textiles
- The practical skills and understanding of materials provide invaluable preparation for the future in many aspects of life, not least an awareness and ability to design and make your own clothes and other textile products.
- You gain insight into related sectors, such as manufacturing and engineering. This should prepare you to make informed choices about further learning opportunities and career choices.
- There is a direct progression to further study in the area of textiles, such as A Level Textiles and on to a specialist degree in Fashion, whether it be in the creative design area or in fashion retail. An understanding of CAD and manufacture can lead to careers in areas such as computing.
- Sustainable design and the impact of consumer choices on the environment is a very good introduction to many linked career areas which are increasingly more urgent in the 21st century.
- Food & Nutrition
- In the light on national concerns about the relationship between diet and health, more career options are opening. This course can lead to AS or A2 Home Economics or Food Technology and to degree courses in Home Economics, Food Science, Dietetics, Food Technology, Consumer Studies, Teaching.
- Career paths include exciting opportunities in the food industry such as product development, product promotion, food photography, consumer or food journalism, and public relations. Vocational careers such as teaching, dietetics, health promotion, medicine nursing and social work.
- Food Technology
- This is a good foundation for those wishing to study a degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Dietetics, or Consumer Studies. Some universities offer combined degrees.
- Product Design
- This course will enhance your skills in a range of areas related to design and build your skills of creativity, flair and innovation.
- You will gain a good understanding of manufacturing processes and Industrial and commercial practices.
- Students will have a good foundation for further study in a range of courses at University which could lead to careers in Manufacturing, Design and other linked disciplines.
