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Design and Technology

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, students are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of domestic and local contexts (for example, the home, health, leisure and culture), and industrial contexts (for example, engineering, manufacturing, construction, food, energy, agriculture – including horticulture- and fashion. When designing and making, students are taught to:

Key Stage Three Overview

Design

use research and exploration, such as the study of different cultures, to identify and understand user needs
identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them
develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations
use a variety of approaches [for example, biomimicry and user-centred design], to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses
develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations and computer-based tools

Make

select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture
select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, components and ingredients, taking into account their properties

Evaluate

analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding
investigate new and emerging technologies
test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into account the views of intended users and other interested groups
understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers, engineers and technologists

Technical knowledge

understand and use the properties of materials and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning solutions
understand how more advanced mechanical systems used in their products enable changes in movement and force
understand how more advanced electrical and electronic systems can be powered and used in their products (for example, circuits with heat, light, sound and movement as inputs and outputs)
apply computing and use electronics to embed intelligence in products that respond to inputs (for example, sensors), and control outputs (for example, actuators), using programmable components (for example, microcontrollers).

Cooking and Nutrition

understand and apply the principles of nutrition and health
cook a repertoire of predominantly savoury dishes so that they are able to feed themselves and others a healthy and varied diet
become competent in a range of cooking techniques [for example, selecting and preparing ingredients; using utensils and electrical equipment; applying heat in different ways; using awareness of taste, texture and smell to decide how to season dishes and combine ingredients; adapting and using their own recipes]
understand the source, seasonality and characteristics of a broad range of ingredients.

Year 7

Design and Technology at KS3 works on an 8 week carousel. This allows students the opportunity to explore each of the 5 subject areas within D&T including Product Design, Food Technology, Engineering, Computer Aided Design and Graphics. Below shows what is covered in each of these projects.

Product Design

Lamp Project

Students are required to design and manufacture a desk lamp using a range of hand tools in the workshop, different types of wood and plastics as well as learning how to use 2D Techsoft and the basics of a laser cutter.

Cooking and Nutrition

understand and apply the principles of nutrition and health
cook a repertoire of predominantly savoury dishes so that they are able to feed themselves and others a healthy and varied diet
become competent in a range of cooking techniques [for example, selecting and preparing ingredients; using utensils and electrical equipment; applying heat in different ways; using awareness of taste, texture and smell to decide how to season dishes and combine ingredients; adapting and using their own recipes
understand the source, seasonality and characteristics of a broad range of ingredients.

Year 7

Below shows what is covered in each of these projects.

Product Design

Lamp Project

Students are required to design and manufacture a desk lamp using a range of hand tools in the workshop, different types of wood and plastics as well as learning how to use 2D Techsoft and the basics of a laser cutter.

Food Technology

Baking

Students have the opportunity to use the newly renovated kitchen and bake the following foods:

– Choc rocks

– Fairy cakes

– Feta, Olive and sun-dried tomato scones

– Jam tarts

– Oat and honey biscuits

– Olive bread swirls

Engineering

Structures Project

Students learn about complex structures, how society has been developed through engineering and make an icosahedron out of rolled up paper tubes. Students also have the opportunity to manufacture a moisture tester, creating and soldering the circuit boards themselves.

CAD

2D Design

Students learn how to use 2D Techsoft, a computer aided design software which allows the user to laser cut and engrave onto materials such as Acrylic, Plywood and MDF.

Graphics

Games Cover

Students create and design a new game cover using Photoshop.

Assessment

Students have one, double period lesson each week across KS3. Students’ books are also marked every two weeks and are encouraged to respond to feedback. Each rotation will include some form of practical element where appropriate, and all students are given the opportunity to self and peer-assess their work. Students are set homework each week and this can be in the form of research, design work, practical investigations or presentation work.

Year 8

Below shows what is covered in each of these projects.

Product Design

Puzzle Box Project

Students design and manufacture a puzzle box made from Plywood. Students learn about different wood joints and have the opportunity to use different saws and machinery for the project. The project usually follows a rainforest animal theme, so students can personalise their box to look like an animal from the rainforest.

Food Technology

Special Dietary

Students learn to create special dietary foods which include:

– Banana loaf

– Lemon drizzle cake

– Parmesan chicken nuggets

– Spicy rice

– Vegetable samosa

Engineering

Electronics

Students are taught the fundamentals of electronics and are given the opportunity to design and make a circuit. Students will have the ability to use soldering irons and understand how a circuit board works.

CAD

Google Sketch Up

Students make advancement in terms of computer aided design moving from 2D design to 3D design. Students use Google Sketch Up to design various shapes and objects using the tools available on the software.

Graphics

Chocolate Project

Students design and make a chocolate bar using the vacuum former, laser cutter and 2D Design. Packaging is also created for their chocolate bar which allows each student to create a brand and understand the importance of packaging.

Assessment

Students have one, double period lesson each week across KS3. Students’ books are also marked every two weeks, and are encouraged to respond to feedback. Each rotation will include some form of practical element where appropriate, and all students are given the opportunity to self and peer-assess their work. Students are set homework each week and this can be in the form of research, design work, practical investigations or presentation work.

Year 9

Below shows what is covered in each of these projects.

Product Design

Clock Project

Students design and manufacture a clock using the laser cutter. Students learn about the workings of a laser cutter as well as the properties of materials including Acrylic which is used to make the clock.

Food Technology

Food Design

Students cover staple foods and cook the following dishes:

– Cheese & Onion Tear and Share

– Pizza

– Chicken Noodles

– Fajitas

– Green Lentil Frittata

– Pasta Bake

Systems & Control

Mechanical Toy

Students design and manufacture a mechanical toy.

CAD

Grand Designs

Create a 3D image of a new house design using Google Sketch up.

Graphics

Pen / USB Project

Students have the opportunity to design and laser cut either a fully functioning Pen or USB.

CD Cover Project

Students create a design for a new CD cover using Photoshop.

Assessment

Key Stage 4 GCSE Engineering

This qualification is designed for learners who want an introduction to engineering that includes a vocational and project-based element.

Engineering is a broad field that offers exciting career opportunities where employees get to be creative, solve problems and explore how things work every day.

The course is designed to provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding of the applied study of good engineering practices and an understanding of working in the sector.

The qualification will appeal to students who wish to pursue a career in the engineering sector or progress onto further study.

What you will study:

Engineering disciplines
Health & safety
SI Units of measurement
Reading engineering drawings
Properties and characteristics of materials
Tools, equipment, and processes
Skills and techniques in engineering

Assessment

NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Engineering

Course code: 603/2963/4

Students are required to successfully complete 2 mandatory units. Students must also achieve a minimum of a Level 1 pass in the internal and external assessments.

1 x 2hr externally assessed written exam ‘Understanding the engineering world’. This paper assesses student knowledge and understanding from across the topics studies and accounts for 40% of the overall grade. The exam can be repeated once to gain a higher grade. Learners who do not achieve a level 2 grade may be awarded a level 1 if appropriate.

60% of the course is assessed internally through completion of a synoptic project. Students demonstrate a range of engineering skills and techniques in the development and production of a suitable prototype to meet the requirements of a set brief.