The Design and Technology Faculty is a vibrant, creative and innovative department, with dedicated and enthusiastic staff. Within all specialisms of the subject, we aim to instil creativity and imagination. Students learn to design and make products that solve real-world relevant problems within a range of contexts, whilst considering their own and others’ needs, ethics, values and health and safety. To do this effectively, students will acquire an extensive and detailed range of skills and knowledge that link with core subjects: English, Maths, Science, Computing and Art.
The curriculum progresses over five years starting with a solid foundation of theory and practical skills. Upon completion at Key Stage 4, pupils will have been given the tools necessary to move on to further study within fields such as Architecture, Engineering, Food, Graphics, Textiles and Interior Design.
We will:
We are preparing our students to work in an ever-evolving environment where they will learn how to design sustainably and be able to adapt to an array of challenges. This curriculum will be delivered through theoretical and practical lessons, project-based learning, and independent research. Assessment will be ongoing and will include both formative and end-point assessments, with a focus on the development of students’ practical and critical thinking skills.
There are three key elements to the KS3 DT curriculum (Skill, Health and Safety and Time-Management)
The GCSE Design and Technology course involves generating innovative, creative ideas, sketching,
using ICT and Computer-Aided Design and manufacturing, 3D modelling. Students can choose to go down a products design route where they will be using timber, polymer and metal to create a final product. Or they can choose a textiles route where they will be using fabrics and fibre to create their final prototype.
The course is split into two sections, theory and coursework. During the theory module they will develop on their material knowledge. Looking into all material areas including smart and modern materials. As well as understanding how these materials interact with each other. Sustainability, ethics and material availability will be a key topic in understanding how products needs to be reconsidered. Students will be taught how products are made on an industrial scale as well as a one-off scale.
The second section of the course is the NEA (non-exam assessment), formerly known as coursework. Students are required to independently select their own brief and design a product based on consumer need. They will use their theory knowledge to develop a portfolio of work justifying the need for their design. Students will collect feedback, sketch, model and make a final prototype for their idea. Coursework products that can be made range from laptop bags (textiles route) to lighting (product design route).
KS3 – Students in KS3 are given one piece of homework every two lessons; the work is always set on Classcharts with supportive documents to assist with the work. The homework has been designed to cover the topics students have covered in their lessons in a creative way.
KS4 – Students in KS4 are set bi-weekly homework. These tasks are always set on Classcharts with students encouraged to use the recommended revision guides and supportive text to complete the tasks.
All schemes within Technology include employability skills, such as organizational skills, communication, teamwork, resilience, time management, perseverance and problem solving.
Architecture lecturer and teacher. Fashion Design, Interior Design, Engineering, Space Design, Civil Engineering, Website Design, Draughting, Quantity Surveying, Geotechnical, Surveying, Product Design, Town Planning, Illustrator, Theatre Designer, Animator, Textile Designer, Costume Designer, Fashion Designer, Sportswear Designer, Footwear Designer, Jewellery Design, Automotive Design and many more.
For further information, please contact Miss Longshaw.