Design Technology
The intent of our Design Technology curriculum is:
- To engage students in an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject.
- To enable students to use their creativity and imagination, thereby designing and making products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
- To help students acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. They learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable students.
- To ensure students can evaluate past and present design and technology approaches, thereby developing a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.
- To develop an understanding in students of the impact high-quality design and technology has in terms of an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
Our Design & Technology Curriculum is implemented by:
Using a variety of creative, theoretical and practical activities!
Pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of domestic and local contexts.
In Key stage 3 this currently includes: A shop sign for a chosen local shop or business, a clock for a member of the family based on De Stijl or Art Deco, a mechanical toy (automata) for a local Dorset attraction and speaker for their own mobile phone.
In Key Stage 4 this includes: Packaging for a mobile phone (Graphics), blister pack for a key ring (Polymers). A desk lamp (Wood and electronics), a mechanical toy (mechanisms) a games console (Ergonomics) and a spanner (Metals and alloys).
When designing and making, pupils are taught to:
Design
- Identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them
- Develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations
- Use a variety of approaches to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses
- Develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations and computer-based tools
- Select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture
- Select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, components, taking into account their properties
Evaluate
- Analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding
- Investigate new and emerging technologies
- Test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into account the views of intended users and other interested groups
- Understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers, engineers and technologists
The impact of our Design Technology curriculum is for students:
- To develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
- To build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
- To be able to identify design needs and opportunities
- To be able to solve real and relevant design & technology problems in order to help improve society
- To fulfil their DT potential in order to go onto further education or employment
- To be creative, innovative and to have fun in doing so.
Key 4 Assessment
Exam Board: AQA Design & Technology
KS4 Assessment:
- 1 x 2 hour written examination (50%)
- 1 x Controlled Assessment: This is comprised of one “Design and Make” task (50%)
GCSE Specification
Click to view GCSE specification- Design Technology
Year Guides – Curriculum Content
Year 7 D & T Curriculum Content 23-24
Year 8 D & T Curriculum Content 23-24
Year 9 D & T Curriculum Content 23-24
Year 10 D & T Curriculum Content 23-24