Design & Technology Department
Key Stage 3
The students are taught in mixed class groups, which are organised in a rota system, covering the areas of Product Design, Food Technology and Textiles Technology (following the National Curriculum Programmes of study levels 3 – 8).
Key Stage 4
Students will choose a specific area to work within (Product Design, Food Technology or Textiles Technology) and will undertake a two year course of study culminating in the production of a folder of work supported by practical items. Assessment is in the form of a written exam (40% of marks) and coursework (60% of marks).
Product Design
Key Stage 3 students work with a variety of materials to produce a range of products such as key fobs, CD holders and jewellery.
Key Stage 4 students undertake a selection of projects in Year 10 such as designing and making jewellery and display units, CD/DVD packaging and promotional materials for products.
Year 11 is focussed towards the production of an individual final project.
Construction
This course is designed as an introduction to the construction industry.
Initially students work towards a BTEC Introductory Certificate in Construction (equivalent to 2 GCSEs Grade D-G). This progresses to the BTEC Introductory Diploma in Construction (equivalent to 2 GCSEs Grade C-A) in Year 11.
Students will progress through a variety of modules including:
• ‘Starting Work in Construction’
• ‘Developing Skills in Working Safely in Construction’
• ‘Personal Effectiveness’
They will also undertake practical work, bricklaying and trowel skills in Year 10 and joinery and painting and decorating skills in Year 11.
Although materials and equipment will be supplied, students will be expected to provide their own protective clothing i.e. boiler suit and steel toe-capped boots.
Food Technology
Key Stage 3
Food Technology at Key Stage 3 involves designing and making using a variety of ingredients to produce quality outcomes. During years 7, 8 and 9 pupils work at providing written and practical solutions to design briefs issued. These conform to the National Curriculum Programmes of Study.
Key Stage 4
Assessment is in the form of a 40-hour coursework project (27 hours supervised practical), which accounts for 60% of the final GCSE mark and a final written exam, which carries 40% of the final GCSE mark.
During Year 10 pupils will work through a series of ˝ termly design briefs during which they will gain the knowledge and understanding of various ingredients. This enables them to work on their own chosen coursework project in year 11, which has a heavy emphasis on practical skills. The final written exam will test their knowledge of ingredients and their function in cookery, nutritional analysis of products, industrial processes, CAD CAM, HACCP and ICT.
Textiles Technology
Key Stage 3
Textile Technology at KS3 involves the designing and making of a range of textile products with the safe use of the sewing machine in both the construction and embellishment of the products. The course is delivered through differentiated design briefs, which conform to the National Curriculum Programmes of Study.
Key Stage 4
Textiles Technology is an option subject at KS4. Assessment is in the form of a 40-hour coursework project (60% marks) and a final written exam (40% marks). The student may select their own project outline based on fashion or interior design and must produce a design folder and a textile product. The final exam will test the application of the knowledge and understanding of textile materials, components, processes, and techniques including industrial practice, C.A.D. C.A.M. and I.T.C.
Post 16
D & T Product Design is offered at AS and A2 Levels in Textiles – or Graphics with resistant materials. Each level comprises 3 units of assessment which cover materials and components, design and market influences and processes and manufacture, as well as individual coursework from chosen briefs and an in-depth detailed product analysis.