Design and Technology

The world in which we all live is full of products made from a range of different materials. From the moment we wake to the time we go to bed we use and interact with a huge range of products designed to make life easier, faster, safer and more convenient. All of these products are designed and made; from the toothbrush you use when you get up in the morning to the box you put your lunch in. And it is with this in mind that we want to inspire our pupils to learn about materials and how they are used to benefit the world we live in.

Year 7 Projects:

• Pencil case – Pupils will learn the sources and categories of textile fibres. They will Design and Make a pencil case using the theme of Graffiti to research and develop ideas for their product. They will then construct the pencil case using decorative techniques and textile tools and equipment.
  
• Wind chime – Pupils will learn the sources of timber and metal and be able to categorise the materials. They will Design and Make a wind chime considering the environment by incorporating recycled materials. They will learn 3d drawing techniques when designing their product. They will learn to safely use a range of tools and equipment to fabricate, decorate and finish the product to meet the needs of the client.
  

Year 8 Projects:

• Juggling set – Pupils will develop their knowledge of textile fibres to understand the suitability for use. Using the theme of Circus, they will design and make a juggling set including a drawstring bag, juggling beanbags along with a swing tag for marketing the product. They will learn to work with tools and equipment independently and be encouraged to focus on the quality of outcome.
  
• Memphis Clock – Pupils will learn the sources and categories of plastic/polymer. They will learn about the work of others by focusing on the Design Movement of Memphis as inspiration. They will use CAD and hand tools and machinery to fabricate the product.
  
  

Year 9 Projects:

• Kite project– Pupils will learn to solve a design problem by looking at existing products and investigating how the can be improved to be more aesthetically pleasing and meet the needs of a particular user. They will learn to model and test ideas to enable modifications and improvements to take place. Pupils will learn how anthropometrics data is used to design products ergonomically.
• Light project – Pupils will learn electrical systems along with revision of properties of timber and polymers. They will learn how Biomimicry is used in the design of products and create their own ideas using this concept.

GCSE Design and Technology

GCSE Design Technology is an option where the pupils will build on the skills and knowledge learnt in KS3 to explore more advanced skills in textiles and resistant materials. Pupils will take pride in their work and apply the concept of iterative design to solve real problems by designing and making prototypes. Pupils become aware of and learn from wider influences on design technology, focussing on historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic influences. Learning is practically driven and pupils build confidence, skills and enthusiasm for this area within the computer suite and well equipped workshop.

All pupils will experience and work with textiles, paper, board, polymers, timber, metals and electronics.  As they move into Year 11, their material specialism will develop as they move through the planned curriculum.  The GCSE course is 50% written exam and 50% NEA.

Useful Links

Design and Technology Exam Specification
BBC Bitesize Design Technology