Design & Technology
Overview
Design and Technology provides learners with a broad and exciting experience through engaging programmes of study. Learners have opportunities to work with a range of subject areas including Graphics, Resistant Materials and Systems & Control. Learners will be taught how to problem solve covering themes such as health, typography and mechanisms. Cooperative projects enable learners to develop transferrable personal skills that can then be used within any subject area. Learners learn from first-hand knowledge and experience working with tools and the latest equipment that can be found in the Design and Technology industry.
Learning at Key Stage 3
Year 7
Drawing Skills Unit: One-point perspective city view project
Traditional woodworking skills: Wooden Steam boat project
Year 8
Toy Train Project: Traditional wood working skills
Design and Make: Storage tray focus on anthropometrics and ergonomics
Year 9
Interior Design Project: Design and Make Skills
Pewter Casting: Metal Working Skills
The knowledge and understanding gained at KS3 provides learners with the skills required to study the GCSE Design & Technology at KS4.
Key Stage 3 – Design & Technology Course Overviews 2017 – 2018
GCSE Design & Technology
The GCSE prepares learners to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Learners will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Learners will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.
Our GCSE allows learners to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.
Course Outline:
The GCSE course gives learners the opportunity to design and make quality products using a variety of materials such as wood, metal and plastic and a range of different processes. Learners will complete a series of projects within these areas prior to choosing their final project, which will involve a final design and make product, supported by a portfolio of design work.
Typical Activities:
During Year 10, learners will complete three set projects. These will focus on the design and make techniques using each of the mentioned materials. Learners will then draw on the experience and knowledge gained in Year 10 to help them to choose a topic for the final major piece of work being undertaken in Year 11. With the final piece of work should be a quality product and a detailed design portfolio.
Assessment Details:
Examination (end of Year 11) 50%
Assessed Coursework Project 50%
Reasons for Choosing this Subject:
Learners who opt for this subject must have a genuine interest in the design and making of products. Learners should also have the ability to sketch their ideas to a fairly good standard, as a large part of the design folder will require drawn and developed ideas. This course will provide an opportunity for progression into Design & Technology at AS Level, Design Foundation courses, Course in Design at Degree level and a career within the Design Industry: Engineering – Architectural model making – TV/Theatre Set Design – Spatial Design – Product / Game Design.
Post 16 Progression:
GCE ‘A’ Product Design – A &D
GCE ‘A’ Graphics –A&D
Design & Technology Product Design AS Level
HND Furniture Design
BA (Hons) Design Studies / 3D Design / Engineering / Architecture
