Technology
Key Stage 3 Design and Technology
All year groups have DT lessons for 1 hour every 2 weeks and will experience both practical and theoretical lessons giving them a wide range of knowledge and skills to effectively tackle design problems. Students will gain an understanding of the design process, and the different elements involved, and put these into practice by completing a range of different projects.
Year 7
In Year 7 students will complete 2 projects, a wooden phone and stationery holder and an acrylic Clock. In these 2 projects they will learn to use a range of different equipment and machines accurately and safely including coping saws, the buffing machine and the scroll saw. They will also gain experience and knowledge working with polymers and woods such as Acrylic and Plywood.
Year 8
In Year 8 students will be introduced to a piece of CAD (computer aided design) software called 2D design. They will learn how to accurately use a range of tools on 2D design to create ideas for their acrylic Mood Light. Year 8 students will also gain an understanding of how to use the laser cutter safely and effectively by creating a cut out design used in the production of the mood light. In addition to the use of the laser cutter students are required to solder their LED light and learn the basics of electronics. The second project is to design and make a wood and mechanical toy. During this project, students will learn how to mark out accurately using equipment such as tri-squares and marking gauges as well as becoming competent on the sanding machine.
Year 9
In Year 9, students undertake larger more complex projects, the first project being a wooden Lantern which will recall and build on the use of CAD and electronics. They will gain an understanding of electronics, and the skills needed to solder a circuit together effectively. Year 9 will also build on their wood working skills from Years 7 and 8 to create the main body of the lantern, including using the pillar drill independently. In the second project, students will be designing and creating a bird’s house, this will introduce them to vital elements from the KS4 Design and Technology specification.
Enrichment
Currently there are two sessions of DT club.
Monday - Year 7
Tuesday – Year 8 and 9
Useful links:
Key Stage 3 Food Technology
All year groups have Food Technology lessons for 1 hour every 2 weeks and will experience both practical and theoretical lessons, giving them a wide range of knowledge and skills to effectively make a range of food products. They will gain an understanding of the making process and develop an understanding of food science and nutrition.
Year 7
In Food Technology, students learn about safety, food hygiene and healthy eating and make a range of practical dishes currently including, pasta salad, scones, fruit crumble, stir fry, chilli and roasted vegetable couscous which enable them to learn how to use basic equipment and apply heat using a range of techniques including grilling, frying, baking and roasting.
Year 8
In Year 8 students further develop their practical skills by making a range of more demanding sweet and savoury products including some main meals such as Bolognese, Fajitas, meatballs, bread-based pizza, curry, cheesy pinwheels and burgers, focusing again on food hygiene, safe production and healthy eating.
Year 9
In Year 9 students develop technical practical skills which prepare them for the GCSE in food preparation and nutrition. Students learn about food science, the function of ingredients and investigate the functional and chemical characteristics of food through both theory and practical lessons. Some of the dishes currently included are savoury tartlets, maids of honour and mince pies with shortcrust pastry, bread shapes, Chelsea buns and pesto swirls to illustrate bread making, meringues, mac n cheese to illustrate a roux sauce and creamy pesto pasta.
Useful Links:
GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Design and Technology Specification:
- Click here for AQA information
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. This qualification focuses on nurturing students' practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. The content learnt in the theory lessons will be complemented and supported by the products produced in practical lessons. It provides learners with a core depth of knowledge and a range of specialist and general skills that will support their progression to further learning and employment.
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Specification:
Enrichment
- KS4 Study+ session for both subjects.
Useful links:
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zdn9jhv
- https://www.technologystudent.com/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zby2bdm
A Level Design and Technology
A Level Design and Technology Specification:
Enrichment
KS5 students can enjoy a calm and productive atmosphere on Mondays after school at study+
Useful Links:
- AQA | Design and Technology | A-level | Design and Technology: Product Design
- https://www.vam.ac.uk/
Level 3 Food and Nutrition
Level 3 Food and Nutrition Specification:
Enrichment
- KS5 Students organise a pop-up restaurant twice a year. They design and engineer the menus, promote the event and sell tickets to raise money for the school food bank.
Useful links:
