Curriculum Intent

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 instill creativity and imagination. Pupils 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 and values. To do this effectively, pupils will acquire an extensive and detailed range of skills and knowledge that link with core subjects: English, Maths, Science, and Engineering, Computing and Art.

The curriculum progresses over five years starting with a solid foundation of theory and practical skills. We provide a framework for creativity and logic by combining technical and design knowledge with practical skills and critical thinking. 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:

• Encourage pupils to understand the impact of design and technology on the sustainable world and to develop an appreciation of the products they use.
• Develop pupils’ knowledge of the importance of healthy and balanced diets, and how this relates to the food and nutrition industry.
• Foster pupils’ understanding of food science and technology, including the effects of processing and preservation on the nutritional value of food.
• Develop pupils’ critical thinking skills through evaluating products, manufacturing and the impact of production methods on the environment.

We are preparing our pupils 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 pupils’ practical and critical thinking skills.

Curriculum Implementation

Key Stage 3

There are four key elements to the KS3 DT curriculum:

• Design includes identifying user needs, solving design problems, developing specifications that help them design innovative, functional and appealing products, and communicating their ideas through methods such as sketches, plans, 3D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations and computer-based skills.
• Make selecting from a range of materials, tools, techniques, processes and manufacture, including computer-aided design.
• Evaluate involves analysing the work of past and present design professionals, investigating new and emerging technologies, testing, evaluating and refining their own ideas, and understanding how design and technology impacts on people, and the responsibilities of designers and engineers.
• Technical knowledge includes understanding and using the properties of materials, understanding and using more advanced electrical and electronic systems, and using computing to make intelligent products using programmable components.

Year 7

• Pupils will be taught primary sources of materials for producing Natural and Manufactured Timbers, Paper and board, Plastics and Metals and the ability to recognise and characterise different types of a materials.
• Pupils will also be taught how to understand the physical and working properties of a range of materials and how this affects their performance.
• Pupils will also begin to develop a range of drawing techniques including rendering.

Year 8

• Pupils will be taught sources of modern, smart materials and textiles and the ability to recognise and characterise different types of materials.
• Pupils will understand how the physical and working properties of a range of modern/smart materials, textiles and metals affects their performance.
• Designing and making principles using a range of materials developing prior skills.
• Development of drawing techniques building upon previous knowledge.
• Specialist technical principles based upon sustainability and the impact of materials and energy generation.

Key Stage 4

Cambridge National Engineering Design

Why Choose ICT Cambridge Nationals

The OCR Cambridge Nationals in Engineering Design is for Learners who wish to acquire technical skills through vocational contexts as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The Award gives Learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment and are transferable skills required by employers.

This qualification is an opportunity for students to develop a design specification and study the processes involved in designing new engineered products. They’ll use practical skills such as drawing, computer modelling and model making to communicate design ideas. The qualification will also encourage students to consult with a client and, with its practical focus, will engage students in producing, testing and evaluating a prototype in the form of a model.

Assessment

Unit R105: Design Briefs, design specifications and user requirements.

Assessed through a 1 hour written exam question paper worth 60 marks.

■ Comprises short answer and extended response questions.

■ Assesses the quality of written communication.

Unit R106: Product analysis and research.

30 hours of Centre-assessed tasks worth 60 marks:

■ This Unit comprises practical tasks in the context of an assignment.

Unit R107: Developing and presenting engineering designs.

30 hours of Centre-assessed tasks worth 60 marks:

■ This Unit comprises practical tasks in the context of an assignment.

Unit R108: 3D design realisation.

30 hours of Centre-assessed tasks worth 60 marks:

■ This Unit comprises practical tasks in the context of an assignment. The course does involve the production of written coursework portfolios. Engineering techniques and processes will be underpinned with focussed practical tasks

GCSE Design & Technology

The Course

The GCSE Design and Technology course involves generating innovative, creative ideas, sketching,
using ICT and Computer- Aided Design and manufacturing, 3D modelling. Pupils be analysing trends
and products and the influence of famous designers and design movements. Coursework will use a lot of ICT, but students will be required to sketch and model by hand, as well as using CAD software. Typical coursework products made include stereo amplifiers, various lighting and storage products.

Assessment

1. Design and Technology in the 21st Century:
   Written Examination lasting 2 Hours counting
   for 50% of the qualification or 100 marks.
2. Design and Make Task:
   50% of the qualification or 100 marks.

The department also offers an opportunity to combine business and computing knowledge working with an external body.

Independent study

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 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.

Skills for Success

All schemes within Technology include employability skills, such as organizational skills, communication, teamwork, resilience, time management, perseverance and problem solving.

Career Opportunities

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.

Contact the Head of Department

For further information, please contact Mrs Williams – Head of Faculty