Curriculum

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Why study Design & Technology?

The study of Design Technology unlocks curiosity, exploration, experimentation, and investigation. Through the iterative design process Design Technology challenges and stretches students’ creative minds to become innovative designers. This will enable students to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Our Design and Technology curriculum focuses on developing practical skills within key material areas, allowing pupils to learn about industry standards and manufacture products with high quality outcomes. Students use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments.

How will I study Design & Technology?

Our curriculum focuses on developing practical skills within a particular material area, allowing students to learn about industry standards and manufacture products with high quality outcomes. Students learn about commercial processes and careers in related industries, as well as developing core transferable skills, such as collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences of Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing, making and applying technical and practical expertise during projects.

What will I study at key stage 3?

In key stage 3 Students learn how to respond to a design brief and evaluate the product against the brief. They learn to create production plans and use oblique and isometric drawing. CAD software is used and 3D printing to create objects such as a clock, ear bud case, mood lighting. Students study the iterative design process understanding the importance of creating and testing the tolerance of prototypes. Students go onto study electronics which includes electronic components for intelligence and soldering. Students go onto study the properties of wood in depth including joining methods. They end key stage 3 learning about mechanisms and motions and the use of smart materials.

The study of Food and Nutrition develops from food safety to food labelling and the principles of food for health. Students learn about the provenance of food and the technology required for transportation and storage. They study sustainability and waste. All this whilst they create tasty, healthy recipes.

What will I study at key stage 4?

Students begin their study with health and safety in the workshop increasing the variety and competency of their tools of choice. They study rendering using direct application, inlay, decoupage, and relief. Students extend their knowledge and understanding of the properties and limitations of materials using sheet metal, metal casting, 3D printing, resin setting to make personalised pieces of jewellery.

Students will investigate the work of existing artists and designers and explore their use of materials, techniques and processes. They will interrogate design and marketing influences, design methodology, design in practice. Students will also consider the design and manufacture process of human, ethical, environmental and sustainability considerations.

They will respond to client briefs through a series of research and practical-based tasks. They will immerse themselves in the creation of functional and non-functional products using a range of media and approaches. As they develop their skill and understanding, they will refine their ideas and gain confidence through experimentation and exploration. Pupils will gather inspiration from primary sources and first-hand experiences to help them develop personal and meaningful works. 

Assessment

Examination Board: AQA

Written Paper
Overview Focus
  • Written exam (2 hours)
  • 100 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Candidates answer all questions in three sections:

Section A: Core Technical Principles (20 Marks) – A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding. 

 

Section B: Specialist Technical Principles (30 Marks) – Several short answer questions and one extended response to assess a more in-depth knowledge of technical principles. 

 

Section C: Designing and Making Principles (50 Marks) – A mixture of short answers and extended response questions

Non-Exam Assessment
Overview Focus
  • Controlled assessment (approx 30 – 35 hours) 
  • 100 marks 
  • 50% of GCSE 
  • Contextual challenges to be released annually by AQA on 1st June in the year prior to the submission of the NEA 

Practical application of: 

  • Core technical principles 
  • Specialist technical principles 
  • Designing and making principles 

NEA Assessment Criteria: 

  • Identifying and investigating design possibilities 
  • Producing a design brief and specification 
  • Generating design ideas 
  • Developing design ideas 
  • Realising design ideas 
  • Analysing and evaluating 

Students will produce a prototype and a portfolio of evidence of work will be marked the teacher and moderated by AQA. 

Enrichment Offer

After-school intervention is offered to all KS4 students studying Design & Technology. Weekly intervention after February half term will be bespoke based on class analysis from data captures and exit ticket.  Homework generally links to topics students are studying in class to embed their knowledge to achieve the best outcomes.    

Careers

The study of Design Technology can lead to future careers ranging from Creative Technologist, Lighting Director and Graphic Designer to Mechanic, Construction Manager and Civil Engineer. Famous DT graduates include Vivienne Westwood (fashion designer), Mary Quant (illustrator, fashion designer).