Design Technology
In Key Stage 3 we offer the delivery of three main Design and Technology areas of study; these are Food Technology, Product Design and Textiles Technology. Students will gain experience in the use of a wide range of materials including wood, plastics, fabrics, food and graphic materials as well as developing many practical skills. To enhance the theory knowledge and allow students to access further information to support their learning, the department sets HSPs (Home Study Projects). These give the students the chance to carry out the independent research needed to reinforce the practical tasks undertaken in school. This is a model for home learning that has been adopted by other departments in the school and at other schools in the borough.
KS3
In Year 7 & 8, each student studies Design Technology. Design Technology is split across three subjects, each taught for 13 weeks and then rotated. This gives students the opportunity to develop their practical skills in all areas.
Year 7
|
Food |
Textiles |
DT |
|
Health and safety (Food Hygiene) Basic food equipment Healthy eating The eatwell guide (Nutrients) Basic food practical skills Basic designing and development of a food product Evaluating food products using sensory analysis Social / moral issues Food and culture Food packaging Careers in food |
Careers in textiles and fashion industry Health and safety within the textiles room Safety when using the sewing machine. Natural and synthetic fibres, yarns and fabric construction theory. Block printing practical Sewing machine practice, straight stitch and zig zag stitching. Embroidery practical Designing, making and evaluating a product. (3d Cushion). |
Careers in DT Health and Safety in the workshop Materials Knowledge: Woods, Metals, Polymers and Electronics Technical Drawing skills (One point perspective) Design Ideas CAD Skills Use of basic tools and practical skills How to evaluate? |
Year 8
|
Food |
Textiles |
DT |
|
Careers in the food industry Impact of food and its packaging on the environment Recap practical routines, safe & hygienic preparation of food Nutritional needs of different life stages Religious food choices Healthy eating Special diets Staple foods from around the world How to write a time plan How to evaluate a food product Function of ingredients in cakes Develop a range of practical skills |
Career paths within the textiles and fashion industry. GCSE options and further courses Product Analysis of a textiles product. (Bags) Design, make and evaluate a product. (Belt bag). Health and safety when using the sewing machine and within the textiles environment. Properties and characteristics of fibres and fabrics theory. Chemical and natural dyeing techniques. |
Careers in DT The Iterative Design Process Product Comparison Sustainability Biomimicry Forces and Stresses Materials Knowledge: Papers and Boards Users and their needs Technical Drawing Skills (Isometric) Design Ideas CAD Skills Use of modelling tools and developing practical skills Critical Evaluation |
How will they be assessed?
Students will be assessed throughout the year in each Design Technology area studied. This will cover their understanding of theory tasks, design skills and application of practical tasks. The structure of learning in each DT subject will allow the students to achieve in different focus areas such as planning, design and evaluation. There will always be an assessment of the students’ practical work which looks at the quality of the finished product, the skills that have been used to achieve the desired outcome and how well these have been utilised and mastered.
How can parents support?
Parents can assist with research tasks on HSPs and ensure that the deadlines that have been set by the staff are adhered to. HSP’s will occasionally require students to visit places of interest that are related to the research task. It would be very helpful if parents can help their child to undertake these trips.
Take an active role in understanding the topics that are being covered in lessons. The HSPs are a great way to gain this crucial insight and as a result, different perspectives can be included in the work that is completed.
Parents can encourage their children to visit some of the fantastic museums and exhibitions available to us living in London. Places such as The Victoria & Albert Museum, Design Museum and Fashion & Textile Museum are all well worth a trip.
Parents can encourage their children to get involved with practical tasks around the house such as cooking meals, any sewing tasks or even helping to put up flat-packed furniture!
Support the department in sharing the staffs’ enthusiasm for the subject and all the products that we all come into contact with every day of our lives.
KS4 Design & Technology
| Course | Design Technology |
| Examining Board | AQA |
| Specification | Link |
| Why study this subject? |
In Design Technology you will learn to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. The GCSE in Design Technology enables you to understand and apply an iterative design processes through which you explore, create and evaluate a range of outcomes.
You will become more aware of, and learn from wider influences within design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.
This qualification will enable you to use creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values. |
| Unit 1 |
Core Technical Principles New and Emerging Technologies: Energy Generation and Storage: Developments in new materials: Systems approach to designing: Mechanical Devices: Materials and their working properties: |
| Unit 2 |
Specialist Technical principles: Papers & Boards In addition to the core technical principles, all students should develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the following specialist technical principles: • Selection of materials or components
Each specialist technical principle should be delivered through: Papers & Boards |
| Unit 3 |
Specialist Technical principles: Woods In addition to the core technical principles, all students should develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialist technical principles: • Selection of materials or components
Each specialist technical principle should be delivered through: Natural and Manufactured timbers Hardwoods Manufactured Boards including: |
| Unit 4 |
Designing and making principles: Students should know and understand that all design and technology activities take place within a wide range of contexts. They should also understand how the prototypes they develop must satisfy wants or needs and be fit for their intended use. For example, the home, school, work or leisure. They will need to demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of designing and making principles in relation to the following areas: • Investigation, primary and secondary data |
| Assessment |
Written exam: 2 hours (100 marks = 50% of GCSE) Non-exam assessment (NEA): 30–35 hours approximately (100 marks + 50% of GCSE) |
| Next steps - Careers/HE courses |
Further Study Applied and job-related learning |
