Design and Technology (DT)
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which uses imagination, creativity and innovation to design and make products around a variety of contexts. Pupils will experience designing and / or making prototypes using a variety of different materials and control systems such as electronic circuits, with access to a wide range of equipment and software, including CAD and CAM.
Students will be based in a variety of rooms suited for the purpose of doing Graphics, Electronics and Resistant Materials projects, including workshops. In KS3 pupils will experience a number of projects building their skills with different tools, equipment and techniques associated with the process of designing and making. They will develop their technical, analytical and evaluative skills along with practical skills, whilst drawing upon other subjects such as Science, Mathematics and Art to enable them to become confident, resourceful, creative, innovative, enterprising and capable designers
At KS3 they will learn the basics of research, designing, making and evaluative skills through project based tasks which cover Graphics, Resistant Materials and Electronics knowledge understanding and application. They will revisit these skills each year, reinforcing their understanding and their skills with the various elements of Design that run through the three years. As well as this they will be introduced to new skills and knowledge across the year groups in KS3 in order to build upon prior knowledge and skills with different projects with increasing challenges and complexity.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9):
Year 7:
This will be an Introduction to Design Technology. Pupils experience a wide range of fun and exciting projects that teach them valuable skills in the workshop and design rooms, understanding different materials and systems and how they work.
Projects: Tangram Puzzle, Novelty Chocolate Packaging, Steady Hand Tester.
Year 8:
Pupils work in more depth on projects, honing their practical skills, improving their resilience and problem solving whilst developing independence in the workshop.
Projects Wooden Box, Moisture Sensor, Bridges and Structures.
Year 9:
Pupils work through exciting, real life projects. They deepen their understanding of DT in the world around them whilst developing products that help various users and needs. They build up more independent decision making and understand the importance of designers.
Projects: Home Accessories, 555 Timer Circuit, Vacuum Cleaner
By the end of Key Stage 3, pupils will have enough breadth, depth and experience of Graphics, Resistant Materials, Electronics and the processes associated with design and making products in those respective areas to allow them to make choices to take up options at KS4 which focus on their abilities and interests in specific areas Design Technology – (Graphics and Resistant materials specialisms), Electronics and Carpentry and Joinery.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11):
After choosing options in Year 9, pupils focus their studies in GCSE DT as one of the options offered in the DT Department in Years 10 and 11, through exciting projects across different material areas. They develop their skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare them for the independent NEA project worth 50% of the GCSE marks.
Projects: Puzzle in a Box, Pewter Casting, NEA contextual challenge (Coursework GCSE)
Years 10 and 11: Other options chosen – GCSE Electronics, City and Guilds Carpentry and Joinery.
Key Stage 5 (A-Levels):
After the GCSE’s pupils may choose to take up A-Level Product Design and / or A-Level Electronics to further their expertise and application in those particular areas with a view to taking it up at University level. At university level there are a vast range of subjects in Design and Electronics engineering offered within these respective fields. Those with Carpentry and Joinery may take up further levels in college and / or go onto apprenticeships.
Further information:
Please see below links for further information on the learning journey within Design Technology:
Design Technology Learning Journey Key Stages 3 and 4
Please see below links for further information on the learning journey within Electronics:
