Design Technology

Design Technology Staff

For more information about the Subject curriculum, please contact: Miss C Brown the Curriculum Leader.

Miss C Brown - Curriculum Leader
Mrs C Baggaley
Mrs S Bromley
Mrs H Smith
Mr S Coghlan - Technician

The Design and Technology department offers 4 different Technology areas throughout KS3. These are Food Technology, Graphical Products, Textile Technology and Resistant Materials.

At Key Stage 3 Year 7 and 8 have three, 60 minute lessons over a two week timetable on an 10 week rotation. Year 9 have four lessons over a two week timetable again on an 10 week rotation.

At the end of Year 9 all students choose either Food Preparation and Nutrition or Design and Technology to study at GCSE. At GCSE students have five lessons over two weeks.

THE AIMS OF THE DEPARTMENT

We provide a high-quality design and technology education that should give students opportunities to create, innovate, design, make and evaluate a variety of high quality products that are fit for purpose. Students will continue to work on the technical skills and craftsmanship to execute practical tasks, thereby developing confidence to increase their skills, knowledge and competence in using materials, machinery, techniques and processes. Students develop their practical skills and use these safely with a range of resistant and non-resistant materials, drawing media tools and equipment, in both 2D and 3D. They are shown how to communicate their ideas and designs skilfully and accurately in 2D and 3D, using a variety of techniques, including digital technology, manufacture in a range of material areas and CAD. They should know about good design, everyday products and use correct technical terminology with Design & Technology literacy. They will be allowed to investigate and analyse the rich history of design and technological innovation and the work of others, including iconic designs, to inform their own work. They will be shown developments in design and technology and the responsibilities of designers, including environmental responsibilities.

We aim to achieve the above by

encouraging an awareness of engineering in the modern world
introduce problem-solving activities
develop confidence with practical problem-solving situations
encourage co-operation and a questioning and discriminative attitude
develop an appreciation and respect for other people’s needs
stimulate aesthetic awareness
communicate ideas and information in a variety of forms
develop an understanding of commercial and industrial production
encourage equal opportunities
raise awareness of technology in preparation for a more technological society
promote quality in Design and Products
be able to evaluate by developing critical thinking and evaluation skills
learn how to work safely
develop a knowledge of materials, their properties and the ways in which they can be handled and shaped by establishing an understanding of methods of working with materials
work materials with a range of tools, equipment and machinery
produce design specifications taking into account technical and aesthetic aspects
identify resources needed and constraints imposed by skill, knowledge, availability, time and cost
gather order and assess information, generate and record ideas
select and develop solutions after consideration of the constraints
plan production then make an artefact /system, modifying when and if necessary
compare and evaluate the performance of an artefact/system against its specification

By creating a safe and stimulating environment we intend to provide opportunities for students to succeed and to take an active and rewarding role in a technologically advanced society.