Design and Technology
Our aim is to guide pupils in making informed decisions about Design and Technology related concepts and issues. We endeavour to broaden the young minds of our pupils with challenging and enjoyable lessons and projects, which give pupils the chance to create realistic, personalised products.
Our specialist team of teachers and technicians are passionate about their teaching and subject, welcoming new technologies as well as respecting the traditional methods of the past. Our unique style of teaching and assessment within Key Stage 3 allows pupils to make rapid progress, and a rich and diverse Key Stage 4 offering our pupils pathways into the increasingly expanding world of technology.
Key Stage 3
Across the Key Stage 3 curriculum, Design and Technology is split into two distinct areas called Core and Enhanced.
Within the Core Design and Technology, students will focus entirely on their practical skills with a view to producing a product using various materials and processes.
The Enhanced curriculum explores the theoretical and design side of our subject and students will produce a range of work that exhibits skills across the various areas of design and technology.
Projects evolve and are adapted frequently to reflect the ever-changing subject of technology.
Current projects include:
Y7
- Tower of Hanoi - Basic and advanced practical skills with a focus on materials and quality of production
- CAD Robot – Using the latest 3D CAD software, students will design a virtual robot to introduce and develop their 3D CAD skills
- Light Sabre- introduction to modelling high density foam based on 3D movie props and prototypes using ergonomics as a design focus
- Food Science- Introduction to nutrients and the chemical and functional properties of food in cooking
- Basic food hygiene and preparation skills
Y8
- International cuisine - exploring international food and presentational techniques
- CAD Trains - Advanced CAD skills using scale and measuring to create realistic models
- Gaming Wheel- Using advanced manufacturing skills and a variety of resistant materials to make a 3D functional product
- 3D Product Design- Recycled cardboard model making a series of products including SLR/Digital camera prototypes
Y9
- Hospitality and Catering/Food and Nutrition: students will be introduced to the concept of our Key Stage 4 options and focus on food presentation and popular food culture.
- Advanced CAD - Designing and creating complex 3D models using CAD software
- Architectural Structures - Exploring how architectural models are created using advanced card cutting techniques and mixed materials to produce a scaled 3D architectural model
- Clay Creatures - 3D model -making using mixed materials, clay and high density foam to create 3D sculptures
GCSE 3d design
AQA Art and Design- 3Dimensional Design
This new GCSE is an exciting and creative course which focusses on developing students' skills in designing and creating 3D products.
Students will have the opportunity to :
- Study existing designers and artists that make 3D products.
- Experiment with ideas and try new methods of designing and making
- Make realistic 2D and 3D models out of wood, plastic, metal and card.
- Create a range of portfolios to showcase their work.
- Develop CAD and 3D printing skills to further develop their skills in 3D communication.
Initially, students will be introduced to the various skills needed to communicate their ideas. They will complete mini-projects that allow them to develop and identify a style of their own.
This will further give opportunity to focus on a project whereby they will experiment with their favourite styles and begin creating 3D products. This could take the form of Architectural models, interior design or from a range of 3-dimensional products including the use of CAD and digital media.
Students will continue to reflect on their progress while experimenting further to create more complex models and ideas. On completion of the first main project, students will then take on a more challenging project, once again developing their skills further and aiming to produce more realistic and creative models.
In Year 11, students will continue with their own project work and then be given a brief that gives them several challenges that they must meet using the skills they have developed over the course.
This is a highly creative course that genuinely offers students the chance to develop a real sense of design and be able to make products that are realistic yet highly individual.
GCSE Food preparation and Nutrition
(AQA EXAM BOARD)
This new GCSE is an exciting and creative course which focusses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this qualification focusses on nurturing students' practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition.
Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:
- Food, nutrition and health
- Food science
- Food safety
- Food choice
- Food provenance.
During Year 10 you will be taught a variety of practical skills which will enable you to complete a series of design briefs, extend your design skills and evaluate your products. In Year 11 you will complete a major Non-Examined Assessment which consists of two tasks. Task 1 will be a 10-hour food investigation and written report to answer a specific question relating to food science. Task 2 will be a 20-hour food preparation assessment where you will design and make a three-course meal of your choice with a written report. All tasks will incorporate designing, researching, making and ICT presentation skills.
HOSPITALITY AND CATERING
(LEVEL 1 and 2 - EQUIVALENT TO 1 GCSE)
(WJEC EXAM BOARD)
This qualification is intended for learners who are interested in food preparation in a commercial catering environment and wish to develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for further study and employment within this sector. It will particularly appeal to learners who are looking for a course that is practical in nature.
Level 1/2 in Hospitality and Catering will give learners the opportunity to develop an understanding of:
- the hospitality and catering industry as a whole
- practical food preparation skills and techniques
- meal and menu planning
- cooking methods and recipes
- commercial practice
- career opportunities in the catering sector
- food hygiene and safety
This is assessed as follows:
- Unit 1: Online examination based on the theoretical content of the course. This contributes 40% of the overall qualification. (Externally assessed).
- Unit 2: Controlled assessment that is run over a total of 12 hours and gives learners the opportunity to demonstrate their range of practical skills in a given context. This contributes 60% of the overall qualification. (Internally assessed)
beyond the classroom
We offer a variety of extracurricular activities and after-school clubs including:
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The DICE: Table-top gaming, board games and role play
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Masterchef competition for Year 9 students
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CAD Club
