Design & Technology
Design and Technology
The Design Technology curriculum area is staffed by 4 members of teaching staff and supported by a technician, all of whom have a range of expertise and a shared enthusiasm for the subject. Within Design Technology students are taught to follow the design process and are encouraged to design imaginative and creative, individualised outcomes. We support and deliver a range of learning styles that enable our students, from all backgrounds and abilities, to succeed and grow through a variety of creative and practical activities.
KEY STAGE 3 – Foundation and Transition
Throughout our foundation, years 7&8, and transition stage, year 9, students will study all aspects of Design Technology – this includes Resistant Materials, Graphics, Computer Aided Design and Food Technology. Students will investigate design contexts and produce a range of products as they develop their designing, maths and manufacturing skills using a range of techniques. They will make clear links with science and engineering based knowledge and also get the opportunity to design and produce products using the CAD/CAM facilities within the curriculum area, which consist of laser cutting and 3D printing software, a range of hand tools and machinery. Within Food Technology they will identify how to apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating, whilst developing their cookery skills. Students will develop a crucial attributes that will see them grow as confident thinkers and succeed as they take their design and technology skills through life, contributing to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the community.
KEY STAGE 4 - Mastery
During our mastery stage students have the opportunity to study the core and technical design principles of Design Technology, they will also develop a specialised NEA (Non Examined Assessment) project into year 11. Other qualifications we offer that are equivalent to our GCSEs are the VCERT in Technical Engineering and a Level 1&2 Award in Hospitality and Catering. The projects at this level are designed to challenge and engage the students. It is during these courses that students become independent project managers taking products from concept to reality and making links with real world contexts.
Exam Board AQA - GCSE Design and Technology
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Coursework - 50%
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Exam - 50%
Exam Board NCFE - VCERT in Technical Engineering
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Coursework - 60%
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Exam - 40%
Exam Board WJEC – Level 1&2 Award in Hospitality and Catering
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Coursework - 60%
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Exam - 40%
key stage 5 - Advanced
At our advanced sixth form stage, students can study a two year linear A-Level course in Product Design. The course allows students to explore further the world of Product design. The projects give them the opportunity to build a secure knowledge with material and design properties through industrial style processes and manufacturing techniques.
Exam Board AQA – A-Level Product Design
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Coursework - 50%
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Exam - 50%
extra curricular
Extra-curricular activities include the opportunity to participate in both local and national competitions, workshops, visits to manufacturing companies and educational organisations (e.g. Brunel University) and visits to design focused museums. There is also the opportunity to attend after school clubs in different areas of the curriculum area, e.g. 3D Printing club and a Food Technology club.