Design and Technology
Overview
Introduction
In technology, we want to allow our students to investigate and solve design problems through analysis, creativity, development, and planning. The products they make relate to the real world and are produced using a wide range of skills. In creating practical solutions to these problems, our students develop their resilience and resourcefulness. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and practical knowledge needed for the workplace and life in an increasingly technological world.
Course leader
Mr A Hirst and Mrs M Hogan
Curriculum
Course content
Each year, within key stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9), students will rotate between four subjects: food, textiles, graphics and engineering.
Food
Students will learn how to work safely and hygienically in the kitchen, and how to use a wide range of skills and equipment to make a range of complex food dishes. Students will also learn about diet and health, where our food comes from and how our food choices can affect our environment.
Textiles
Students will learn how to work safely with sewing machines and other equipment. They will learn how to use a wide range of skills and equipment to make a range of textile items, as well as learning about the materials we use to make them.
Graphics
Students will learn how to sketch and use CAD (computer aided design) to create a range of ideas and designs. They will also learn about important designers and design movements and how these have influenced our lives.
Engineering
Students will learn how to work safely in the workshop and how to use a wide range of tools and equipment to make products using plastics, wood, and metal. They will also learn about the materials they use and where they come from. In all subjects, students will learn about the design process and how it links to industry.
Topics
Year 7
- Food: introduction to food including key equipment, safety, and hygiene.
- Textiles: introduction to textiles including making an emoji-theme cushion.
- Graphics: introduction to graphics including making a cress-head.
- Engineering: introduction to engineering including workshop safety, equipment and making a tangram and the car project.
Year 8
- Food: international foods and special diets.
- Textiles: fabric decoration and assembly techniques (pencil case).
- Graphics: using cad (architecture project).
- Engineering: design and make an automata.
Year 9
- Food: introduction to food science (advanced food practical skills).
- Textiles: sustainable design (design and make a bag-for-life).
- Graphics: design and make a games controller.
- Engineering: design and make an adjustable light.
Skills and requirements
Skills developed
- Safety (and hygiene in food): students learn how to work safely in each subject and learn about the risks of not working safely.
- Creativity: students are encouraged to use their ideas and design skills to create interesting responses to their design briefs.
- Independence: students are supported and encouraged to work independently to improve their self-confidence. They develop their skills of problem solving.
- Making: students learn the skills and techniques to make high quality products that meet the specification of their design briefs and meet the needs of their client/ consumer.