Design and Technology

Staffing List

Mr Watkins - Head of Design and Technology
Mr Ralls - Lead Practitioner, Design and Technology Teacher
Mr Homewood - Design Technology Teacher

Vision Statement:

In Design Technology pupils combine technological knowledge and practical skills with creative thinking to design and model outcomes and systems that meet human needs whilst respecting their surroundings and the environment. They will learn how modern industrial practices impact the world in which they live. They learn to think creatively and contribute to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team.

The courses and projects offered in Design Technology work towards achieving the following aims:

  • To stimulate and maintain student’s interest, enjoyment, curiosity and concerns about technological aspects of the world in which they live.
  • To develop students’ knowledge, independence, morals, understanding, modelling skills, principles and vocabulary in Design Technology, enabling them to become competent and confident in:
    1. Analysing real life problems and situations to create design briefs and specifications.
    2. Designing and developing a range of ideas through the application of drawing, CAD, CAM and modelling to a high standard of outcome.
    3. Evaluating their own ideas and those designed by others.
  • To employ teaching methods and resources that allow all students to have equal access to Design Technology and to experience success and enjoyment in their work.

Year 7-9 Curriculum Overview

Year 10-11 Curriculum Overview

Students will complete projects that focus on a variety of different situations and clientele. Students are encouraged to identify material properties, processes and the needs of the end user.

In years 7 and 8, students follow schemes of work that develop and explore new knowledge and creative skills. The complexity of the projects increases as the students’ progress through the Key Stage. Within the projects, students combine Technology based knowledge and practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, technical, cultural, health, social, emotional, economic, industrial and environmental issues. Through Design Technology, students develop confidence and independence in designing, developing and realising their ideas.

Design Technology in KS4 embraces and builds on the knowledge learnt in KS3. Through theory lessons, small focussed tasks and a practice Non Exam Assessment (NEA), students will work on key areas to enhance their understanding so that it can be directly applied to their NEA coursework and written exams in Year 11. Some of the key areas include modern commercial practices and manufacturing techniques, sustainability, smart and modern materials, influential designers and design eras. Students will also learn how to showcase their ideas through the application of IT and real-life modelling. Other areas will be explored. These include social, moral, spiritual and cultural aspects that need to be considered when designing outcomes. Student will also learn about communication, collaboration and potential career paths and why Design Technology is so important in a rapidly, ever changing world.

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit their exam and submit all their non-exam assessment (NEA) at the end of the course.

The course content is divided into three areas:

  • Core technical principle
  • Specialist technical principles
  • Designing and making principles
Assessment

Written Exam

How is it assessed?

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 100 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Non Exam Assessment (NEA)

How is it assessed?

  • Portfolio of work and a practical piece (model or actual): 30 – 35 hours, approximately 20 sheets of A3.
  • 100 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

GCSE Design Technology Specification AQA

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552/specification-at-a-glance

Reading list:

AQA GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology
 - Authors: Michael Ross, Publisher: PG Online, ISBN-13: 9781910523100, Price: £20

AQA GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology: Paper and boards
 - Authors: Bryan Williams, Louise Attwood, Pauline Treuherz, Dave Larby, Ian Fawcett, Dan Hughes, Publisher: Hodder Education, ISBN-13: 9781510401099, Price: £19.99

AQA GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology: Timber, metal-based materials and polymers
 - Authors: Bryan Williams, Louise Attwood, Pauline Treuherz, Dave Larby, Ian Fawcett, Dan Hughes, Publisher: Hodder Education, ISBN-13: 9781510401129, Price: £19.99

New Grade 9-1 GCSE Design & Technology AQA Exam Practice Workbook by CGP Books Paperback £5.77

CGP GCSE D&T 9-1 Revision

Websites:

BBC Bitesize
AQA Subject Content

  • Y11 coursework weekly surgery
  • Headteacher’s design award
  • STEM club
Further information

For more details, please contact Mr Watkins, Head of Design Technology, at a.watkins@testbourne.school.