Design Technology

Dear God, Bless us as we learn and create in design technology. Inspire our creativity and guide our minds to develop innovative and functional designs. Help us consider the needs of others and the impact of our creations on the world around us. 

 

Head of department
Ms T Greenwood

Other teaching staff

Ms H Woolgar

DT Technician

Mr J King

Any questions email

Curriculum Intent

Year 7   Year 8   Year 9   Year 10/11

KS3

DT is taught in a rotation with Art and Food, Nutrition & Planning.  Students study DT for 3 periods each week, for 11 weeks in Y7 & 8.  DT is delivered through taught lessons and design and make projects, which involves Research, Designing, Making and Evaluation.  Within each year students have the opportunity to develop their designing skills by using both free hand sketching and the use of Computer Aided Design, using software such as Techsoft 2D design tools and Fusion 360, which is a cloud based 3D CAD package. Students make their design work using our laser cutter and using hand tools and machines.  In Y8 students develop their skills further and use the 3D printer as part of their learning.  These skills are the foundation for success if they go on to study DT at GCSE.

KS3 Timeplans

GCSE DT Yr 9, 10 & 11

Design and Technology is a subject that brings learning to life, requiring learners to apply their learning to real-life situations. This qualification aims to relate authentic real-world awareness of iterative design practices and strategies used by the creative, engineering and manufacturing industries. Learners will be required to use critical thinking, leading towards invention and design innovation, to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

Students study 3 periods of DT over a fortnight, following the AQA Design Technology GCSE. Students in Y9 develop their design presentation skills and use of 2 & 3D CAD packages to realise their designs by creating a range of card prototypes using the iterative process of evaluation and improvement to lead onto to a final design made from wood based materials and acrylic.  Y9 will also use electronics to create circuits for their projects.

Y10 follow a theory curriculum which has elements of practical as a means of learning.  Each section of the theory is covered and tests are completed to measure shortfalls in learning and to give an accurate profile for reporting and assessment purposes.  AQA release the three contexts for the NEA project (Non Examined Assessment) on the 1st June and the students will commence their work which has a time limit of 35-40 hours and needs to be done under supervision by their teacher.  The aim is to complete the NEA by the end of the autumn term.  From January Y11 follow the theory specification and undertake revision and self evaluation of their theory knowledge, which best places them for the June written exam paper.  There is an opportunity for student to fine tune their NEA and they receive a final grade.

AQA GCSE Design and Technology Specification

Extra-Curricular opportunities available to all

The DT club attracts many students and there is a limit of 16 to allow students to be able to work without having to wait to tools and equipment and to get help from the teacher.  The club runs a rotation as this allows more students to access the club throughout the year.  The activities in the club are based around designing and making with the laser cutter, 3D printer and making electronic products using kit based projects.

 

 

Career Opportunities

Students can go on to take an A Level in Product Design or a vocational A Level in Art and Design or a related subject. 

There are many career opportunities in Product Design, Engineering, Architecture, Manufacturing, Web Design, 3D printing, Electronic Engineering, Energy Generation and New Technologies, Mechanical engineer, Civil Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Automotive Designer, Industrial Designer, Electronic Designer, Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Interior Designer, Software Designer, Theatre and set Designer, Footwear designer, Spatial designer, Film and TV Photographer, Games Designer, Animator, Digital Designer, Furniture Designer and Maker, Structural Engineer, Graphic Designer, Jewellery designer, Sustainability Designer, Aviation Designer, Formula One Racing Designer.