Technology
Design & Technology at KS3
In Years 7, 8 and 9 the students follow a product design course consisting of five main elements food, resistant materials, CAD/CAM, electronics and graphic products. Each element is taught on a rotational basis.
All pupils at KS3 will be introduced to the design process using 'P.R.I.M.E.' (Planning, Research, Ideas, Making and Evaluation). Safety (and hygiene) issues related to the different areas of technology will be covered in detail concurrently with the use of equipment. There will also be emphasis on 'making' skills and the terminology involved in Product Design and Technology.
According to which module is being studied on the rotation, the following aspects/projects will be covered:
Year 7
Food – Licence to cook (module 1+2) Pupils are introduced to the importance of hygiene, food safety and nutrient.
Resistant Materials Element - Biscuit cutter, pre-school child's jigsaw and desktop/storage tidy
CAD/CAM Element - Vinyl letter cutting and 2D design
Product Design/Graphics Element – Re-using packaging, 3D lettering, biscuit cutter package design and a water bottle label
Year 8
Food: - Licence to cook – (module 3+4) Pupils complete a design and make project on multicultural ‘cook and chill’ meals.
Resistant Materials - Aluminium dish and stand and ball bearing maze travel game
Electronics - Small hand steady project and electronic vehicle – carbon friendly, powered vehicle.
Product Design/Graphics – Chinese lanterns & logo designs
Year 9
The year group will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of the design process (P.R.I.M.E) in preparation for KS4 where they will have the opportunity to take Product Design and Food to GCSE level. Pupils will follow a carousel rotation as in Year’s 7and 8.
Food: Pupils concentrate on developing products, designing to incorporate ‘left overs’ and producing 'low fat', low sugar desserts. Resistant Materials: - Clock, photograph frame linked to a historical period or theme and hanging fresh air aroma ‘tree’ CAD/CAM - Mobile phone holder and coin holder
Product Design/Graphics Element - Cardboard furniture and photoshop.
Design & Technology at KS4
Year 10
In both year groups pupils have the opportunity to take Product Design and Food to
GCSE level
During year 10 pupils develop through different focused tasks and minor projects, knowledge, skills and a deeper understanding of the requirements for their major project which they start early in the summer term.
On both courses pupils will develop awareness and consideration of the many design issues that affect products - spiritual, moral, ethical, social, cultural environmental, health and safety and European issues. There is also a large emphasis on industrial and commercial practices, ICT and CAD/CAM
Year 11
In year 11 pupils embark on completing a coursework portfolio and practical element(s) related to a project outline and design brief. In food this entails a design folder and the development of a food/meal product. In product design a similar coursework demands are required, pupils have to present a design portfolio supported by a feasible commercial product, CAD/CAM and paper and card components.
Specific subject theory knowledge is further improved by homework, examination questions and testing.