Technology
Curriculum
We believe that students deserve a Design & technology curriculum which prepares them for the world they live in.
Design and technology gives young people the skills and abilities to engage positively with the designed and made world. They learn how products and systems are designed and manufactured, how to be innovative and to make creative use of a variety of resources including traditional and digital technologies, to improve the world around them.
We thrive to provide opportunities, which allow students to develop a knowledge of a range of technology areas in KS3 including; product design, textiles, graphics and Food Preparation & Nutrition. Students should grow in confidence through dedicated teaching environments, manufacturing equipment and specialist teaching.
At the centre of the subject is creativity and imagination. Design & Technology is a subject which draws, develops and implements a range of different disciplines including mathematics, science, engineering, computing, geography, business studies and art. The subject embeds high quality literacy skills through analysis and evaluation techniques.
As students’ progress to KS4 they choose an area within Design & Technology to study. In the chosen area, the subject allows for deeper study of the world they live in, potential career opportunities and with the skills developed at KS3 the confidence to task risks, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. The subjects encourages students to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, within a variety of contexts, while considering their own and other’s needs, wants and values.
Food preparation and nutrition equips learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating.
Our Design & Technology curriculum will give the students an opportunity to:
Research and Design
- Engage in an iterative process of design and making.
- Undergo primary and secondary research techniques into a range of user’s needs, wants and values, analysis of existing products, ergonomics and anthropometrics and the work of others.
- Identify and solve their own problems and the problems of specific clients and target market groups.
- Develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations.
- Use a variety of design strategies when developing ideas using the iterative design process. For example; a range of 2d and 3d sketching techniques, rendering in different forms, modelling in traditional and CAD methods and the testing of materials and manufacturing techniques.
- Develop and communicate their design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations and computer-based tools
- Make informed decisions about food and nutrition and allows them to acquire knowledge in order to be able to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously, now and later in life.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the functional properties and chemical characteristics of food as well as a sound knowledge of the nutritional content of food and drinks.
- Understand the relationship between diet, nutrition and health, including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health.
Make
- Select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture.
- Select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, components and ingredients, taking into account their properties.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of functional and nutritional properties, sensory qualities and microbiological food safety considerations when preparing, processing, storing, cooking and serving food.
- Explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions (traditional British and international) to inspire new ideas or modify existing recipes
Evaluate
- Analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding.
- Investigate new and emerging technologies.
- Personal project work, analysing how the product fulfils the requirements of the specification and the user’s needs, wants and values.
- Recognise how their product can be modified for commercial manufacturing
- Understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers, engineers and technologists
Key Stage 4 Courses Offered
|
Level 2 Qualification |
Exam Board |
Link to Website and specification |
|---|---|---|
|
GCSE Design & Technology |
AQA |
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552 |
|
Level 1/2 Award in Hospitality and Catering |
WJEC |
Extra Curricular Activities
The Technology department carries out visits to the Spa for Engineering week, and other STEM events in the local area. Technology staff are always available after school for help with homework or controlled assessment, including weekly catch up sessions for GCSE coursework or other individual work as required.
Useful Links
- Useful websites for students: www.technologystudent.com or https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zby2bdm
- Useful news articles about technology: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology/
- Useful materials for science and technology: https://www.stem.org.uk
