Design & Technology

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Using creativity and imagination, students design and manufacture products that solve problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. 

 

 

At Key Stage 3, all students will experience a range of individual subject specialisms and contexts, including food and nutrition.  In each of these areas, students are involved in developing ideas, planning, manufacturing products and evaluating them alongside learning subject-specific technical knowledge. Please also see our Key Stage 3 Extension Reading Journey.

At Key Stage 4, students have the opportunity to study a Design and Technology course to GCSE.  We currently offer GCSE Design and Technology where students follow a Product Design or Textiles pathway and Food Preparation and Nutrition.

At Key Stage 5, the department offers students opportunities to follow courses in Product Design.  Art Textiles is also offered as a joint venture with the Art Department.

MAIN TOPICS COVERED

YEAR 7

  • Industrial Processes - Puzzles (materials focus)
  • Smart Materials - Novelty Thermometer (materials focus)
  • Micro-bit - 'Helpful' Robots (systems and control focus)
  • Environmental Issues - Monster Dolls (fabric focus)
  • New Skills (food focus)

YEAR 8

  • Mechanisms - Mechanical Toy (materials focus)
  • Design Movements - CAD/CAM Frame (materials focus)
  • CAD/CAM - Fidget Spinners/3D Printing (materials focus)
  • Manufacturing Techniques - Festival Cushions (fabric focus)
  • Healthy Eating (food focus)

YEAR 9

  • Electronic/CAD/CAM - Speaker (materials focus)
  • Mathematics in D&T - LED Light Holder (materials focus)
  • Renewable Energy - Solar Lights (materials focus)
  • Manufacturing Techniques - Door Stop (fabric focus)
  • Cultural Cuisine (food focus)

YEAR 10

D&T:

  • Students experiment with a wide range of materials and processes from which they can develop skills to manufacture good quality products. 
  • Make use of and develop appropriate practical ICT skills, including CAD/CAM – e.g. laser machine, sublimation printing or 3D printing

Food and Nutrition:

  • A range of cooking skills to ensure students have a thorough understanding of food, nutrition and health, food science, food safety, food choice and food provenance.
  • Practical opportunities to demonstrate effective and safe cooking skills by planning, preparing and cooking using a variety of food commodities, cooking techniques and equipment.

    YEAR 11                      

D&T: Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) – 50% of the total marks.

  • A 3D product or range of products, along with a folio of supportive design work
  • Contextual challenges will be released annually by AQA on 1 June in the year prior to the submission of the NEA

Food and Nutrition: NEA – 50% of the total marks

  • Food Investigation assessment: students produce a written report of between 1,500 and 2,000 words
  • Food Preparation assessment: students trial dishes in preparation for a final menu alongside a portfolio of evidence to include analysis and evaluation of the nutritional, cost and sensory properties of personal choices

YEARS 

  12 & 13   

D&T Product Design:

  • Students work with a wide range of materials and processes, which they will have developed over previous years, from which they can develop skills to manufacture good quality products
  • Students are encouraged to make use of and develop appropriate practical ICT skills including CAD/CAM
  • Students develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas to inform their decisions in design and the application or development of technology

Examination Boards & Specifications

Please also refer to our Exams page for further information

GCSE

  • Design & Technology: AQA (course code 8552)
  • Food Preparation and Nutrition: AQA (course code 8585)

A Level

  • Design & Technology: AQA (course code 7552)
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