Design & Technology

Introduction

Purpose of study

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils 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.

Aims

The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

• 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 in order 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
• Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

Design and Technology, at Key Stage 3, is an exciting interactive subject that integrates students of all levels and abilities through a varied range of projects and activities. Both boys and girls will work, at times, as part of a group whilst also developing individual skills in all areas of the subject in their own project. In years 7, 8 and 9, all students are taught one double period of Design and Technology each week.

Each student will cover the area of Resistant Materials, Graphic Products, Electronics and Food Technology. Over the course of the three years all students undergo a range of projects which cover a range of designing and technological skills which fully prepare the students for GCSE Design Technology, GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition and GCSE Media Studies.

Projects include traditional metalworking and woodworking based experiences whilst also focusing on the new computer based facilities at times to give a fine balance between the old and the new. Practical skills are complemented by theory knowledge of the five Technology areas which should give a sound all-round approach to problem solving in the future years.

 

KS3

The following projects are included in the programme that we are currently following:

YEAR 7:

Resistant Materials: Wooden picture frame

Graphic Products: Pop Up

Electronics: Cartoon lamp

Food Studies: Kitchen Skills and Hygiene and Safety / MasterChef competition

YEAR 8:

Resistant Materials: 2D Laser cut maze

Graphic Products: Movie Madness

Electronics: Modelling

Food Studies: Sustainability and Nutrition / MasterChef competition

YEAR 9: 

In year 9 students in the DT classes collectively carry out a project called "Awards ceremony", each specialism will make a practical outcome suitable for the task. 

Resistant Materials: Metal work, combined with wood  - Podium

Graphic Products: Modelling - Backdrop

Electronics: Lasercut - Trophy 

Food Studies: Practical skills and Techniques / MasterChef competition

KS4

AQA Design Technology

We offer AQA Design Technology at GCSE since 2017, this GCSE has moved away from the fundamental design and make projects and has more emphasis on skill based learning, covering all specialisms in Design Technology. Students will undergo a coursework project in their second year of the course and it will be completely their choice what they do and what specialism/s they would like to focus on. Once students receive the brief they can design and make projects/prototypes such as from coffee table, skateboard ramp, comfortable seating, E-textiles garments and packaging for products or they can combine the specialisms and make a product requiring the skills from either Textiles, Resistant Materials or Graphics.

As long as the project is achievable in the school workshops, can be completed in the time available and within the students budget then it can go ahead. This allows for students to pursue their own individual passions and interests. The course consists of short learning tasks, skill based learning and mini projects in Year 10, and then the controlled assessment in Year 11. The breakdown is:

• Project: 50% of GCSE marks
• Exam: 50% of GCSE marks.

Practical work will also include investigation of the targets markets, different types and uses of materials and analysing consumers' opinions. In the current employment climate there isn't a job or any opportunity that doesn't demand such a quality. It is a creative course that combines Art with Design and Technology.

After KS4 /future careers:

Further Education:

• We are planning to offer Product Design at A-level in September 2022
• Colleges run various Design Technology courses
• Apprenticeships
• Various University degrees available across the country

Potential career routes:

• Manufacturing
• Building
• Architecture
• Product design and development
• Craft based career opportunities
• Graphic Design
• Advertising
• Interior design
• Visual media
• Fashion
• Textiles
• Design Technology
• Teach design technology
• Textiles production
• Retailing

 

AQA Food Studies

This course is intended for students who wish to develop their skills and techniques, specialising in the use of food materials. Students will extend their knowledge and understanding of food components and apply this knowledge in a practical context in the making of food products.

Practical work will also include investigation of the functional properties of food products and sensory and nutritional evaluation. Students will have the option of paying for ingredients termly at the school or they can provide their own ingredients for practical lessons. Those who receive free school meals, ingredients will be provided.

The course consists of lots of skill based learning, science experiments and building on students practical skills. In Year 11 they will be required to complete two coursework’s

• NEA1: 15%
• NEA2: 35%
• Exam worth 50% in June

After KS4 /future careers:

Further Education:

• We offer Level 3 Food Studies and Nutrition at KS5
• Colleges run various Food studies courses
• Apprenticeships
• Various University degrees available across the country

Potential career routes:

• Baker
• Barista
• Bed & Breakfast Owner
• Butcher
• Cake decorator
• Catering manager
• Food service manager
• Chef
• Consumer scientist
• Cookbook Author
• Counter service assistant
• Cruise ship steward
• Fishmonger
• Food factory worker
• Food Entrepreneur
• Food manufacturing inspector
• Food scientist
• Food technologist
• Head chef
• Hotel manager
• Hospitality Manager
• Meat process worker
• Restaurant manager
• School lunchtime supervisor
• Street food trader
• Waiter
• Wedding planner

 

KS5

WJEC Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition

Our Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition qualification has been designed primarily to support learners progressing to university.

It is mainly for those wanting to pursue careers or learning in related areas such as food industry production. The range of units available supports learners’ progression from study at Level 2, and GCSEs in Food and Nutrition, Catering and Hospitality, Biology, Physical Education and Humanities.

This new Level 3 course has been introduced to replace the old Food Technology/Food and Nutrition A Levels. The Diploma course is studied over 2 years, alongside other A Levels.  

The course is graded as L3 Pass, L3 Merit, L3 Distinction and L3 Distinction*. UCAS points are the equivalent to A level grades E, C, A and A*.  

If only the first year of the Diploma course is taken, then the award becomes a ‘Certificate in Food Science and Nutrition’, rather than a full ‘Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition’, and the UCAS points are equivalent to AS level grades.

Food Science and Nutrition is an exciting subject that is suitable for any student who is interested in developing their knowledge in: 

• The Science of Food and Food Safety  
• Nutritional Needs of Specific Groups  
• Food Preparation, Cooking and Presentation  
• Current Food Initiatives and Healthy Eating Guidelines  

The department has excellent resources which will enable students to experience a wide range of learning opportunities.  

• There is strong emphasis on practical work – the students will develop high level food skills each week. Demonstrations will be regularly given to introduce students to new techniques. These practical lessons will not only increase their knowledge of food preparation but also prepare the learners for the assessed practical assignments at the end of the course. 
• We have a flexible teaching approach but understand the need to complete homework, respect deadlines and set high standards.  
• We use a range of quality learning materials, most of which have been designed in-house. Students will each be given a recipe collection pack for their practical work. Coursework booklets are used to help guide them through every step of their assignments.  
• We have a range of online learning and assessment materials.

Students will be assessed by one piece of coursework and one written examination in the summer of year 1.  

Component 1 – Examination  

• Written examination: 1 hours 30 minutes, plus 15 reading time  
• 50% of Year 1 qualification  
• Short and extended answer questions  

Topics include:  

• Food Science and Nutrition  
• Food Safety  
• Nutritional Needs of Different Population Groups  
• Diet Related Diseases  
• Dietary Planning  

Component 2 – Coursework  

• 50% of Year 1 qualification  
• Students are given a specific scenario for which they must produce professional, high skilled dishes. They will plan, prepare, present and evaluate their work. Detailed documentation required.

Students will be assessed by two pieces of coursework to be completed by the summer of year 2.  

Topics covered:  

• Micro-organisms  
• Preservation  
• Food Intolerances/Allergies  
• Food Safety  
• Planning research  
• Managing an investigation  

Component 1 – Coursework 1  

• ‘Ensuring Food is safe to Eat’  
• 50% of Year 2 qualification  
• Food Safety assignment based on specific scenario,
• Which will include producing a food safety resource and risk assessment.  
• Scenario is set by the examination board and released during the spring term.  

Component 2 – Coursework 2  

• ‘Current Issues in Food Science and Nutrition’  
• 50% of Year 2 qualification  
• Investigation into any food related issue of own choice

An understanding of food science and nutrition is relevant to many industries and job roles such as manufacturing, product design, food stylist, food journalism, health promotion, dietitian/nutritionist, nursing, sports coaching, etc.  

Together with other relevant L3 qualifications such as A Level Psychology, Law, Biology, Physical Education, Chemistry, Sociology, Maths, etc, students will be able to progress to degree courses such as:  

• BSc Food and Nutrition  
• BSc Food Development and Innovation  
• BSc Dietetics and Human Nutrition  
• BSc Human Nutrition  
• BSc (Hons) Public Health Nutrition  
• BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology  

Examples of universities offering such courses, where past students have progressed onto include: Birmingham University, University of Nottingham, University of Leeds, Worcester University, Bath Spa University, University of Huddersfield, Coventry University and Cardiff Metropolitan

 

AQA A-level Product Design

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

Subject content

1. Technical principles
2. Designing and making principles

Assessments

Paper 1

What's assessed: 

• Technical principles

How it's assessed:

• Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• 120 marks
• 30% of A-level
• Questions: Mixture of short answer and extended response.

Paper 2

What's assessed:

• Designing and making principles

How it's assessed:

• Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• 80 marks
• 20% of A-level
• Questions: Mixture of short answer and extended response questions.

Section A:

• Product Analysis: 30 marks
• Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s).
• Section B:
• Commercial manufacture: 50 marks
• Mixture of short and extended response questions

Non-exam assessment (NEA)

What's assessed:

• Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.

How it's assessed:

• Substantial design and make project
• 100 marks
• 50% of A-level
• Evidence
• Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.

Subject content

A-level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. This specification requires students to cover design and technology skills and knowledge as set out below. These have been separated into:

• Technical principles
• Designing and making principles.

The specification content is presented in a two column format. The left hand column contains the specification content all students must cover, and forms the basis for the assessments. This column gives additional information to ensure students study the topic in appropriate depth and gives teachers the parameters in which the subject will be assessed.

Students should develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas to inform their decisions in design and the application or development of technology. There are clear links between aspects of the specification content and other subject areas such as Computer Science (section ‘The use of computer systems’ and section ‘Digital design and manufacture’); Business Studies (section ‘Enterprise and marketing in the development of products; Art and Design (section ‘Design communication’) and History (section ‘Design Theory’). This is not an exhaustive list, and there are other opportunities within the specification for students to integrate and apply their wider learning and understanding from other subject areas studied during Key Stage 4, as well as those subjects that they are studying alongside A-level Design and Technology.

Students must also demonstrate maths and science skills. The right hand column throughout subject content illustrates potential links where maths and science skills and knowledge can be applied in the context of design and technology. These are examples of where these skills can be applied and are not intended to be exhaustive.

Aims

Courses based on this specification must encourage students to:

• Be open to taking design risks, showing innovation and enterprise whilst considering their role as responsible designers and citizens
• Develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world
• Work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback from users, peers and expert practitioners
• Gain an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries
• Develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and the exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of users and clients
• Develop knowledge and experience of real world contexts for design and technological activity
• Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use
• Be able to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype/product
• Be able to create and analyse a design concept and use a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including maths and science, to inform decisions in design and the application or development of technology
• Be able to work safely and skilfully to produce high-quality prototypes/products
• Have a critical understanding of the wider influences on design and technology, including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors
• Develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including the use of maths and science for analysis and informing decisions in design.

 

Enrichment Activities

Design Technology offer a variety of extra-curricular activities after school, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills in allow areas.

Clubs that are on offer are:

• Cooking Club
• DT Club
• GCSE catch up Sessions

 

Trips

• Skills Show at NEC
• Design Museum
• Thorpe park (STEM workshop)
• France Residential (Food Studies)
• Borough Market Visit
• Cadbury’s World
• London fashion week
• Mars Enterprise Challenge

 

Competitions

• Junior MasterChef
• Future Chef
• Mars Enterprise Challenge
• Ascot bake off
• Green power race

 

Facilities

The following facilities are available to our students:

• Laser cutter
• 3D Printing
• Electronics Station
• Food room Facilities
• Two Computer Suites
• Specialist classroom facilities for Graphics/Textiles/Resistant Materials/Electronics and Food Studies

 

Follow us on:

Twitter: DT@slougheton.com

Instagram: sloughetonDT

 

Staff