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

 

 

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