Design & Technology

CURRICULUM AIMS AND VALUES

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Design and Technology encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. We encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers. We aim to build resilience when things go wrong and develop pupils’ skills be able to analyse their own work in order to understand how to improve.  

Curriculum Implementation:  

As the school has such a broad range of feeder primary schools, we plan our KS3 curriculum to build upon pupils’ experiences D&T delivered at KS2. We develop existing skills and knowledge to ensure learners have an understanding of materials, tools, equipment and processes. At GCSE D&T, learners need a base of knowledge to select appropriate methods of manufacture and we build upon this knowledge in KS3. Year 7 and 8 are structured in a carousel approach, where all students will be taught by specialised teachers who fully understand the requirements of their field and be able to teach and differentiate in a way best suited for each individual learner. This will enable all students to enjoy every opportunity that we have to offer, allow them to learn beneficial life skills and to be fully informed on their future academic choices. Students work with food, electronics, textiles, electronics and timbers and identify the main design principles as well as deepening their understanding of health and safety within the subject. The KS3 curriculum has been designed to meet the criteria set out in the NC KS3 POS to build upon KS2 and develop design skills, practical skills and deepen the understanding of D&T theoretical knowledge.  We deliver lessons using a range of materials to broaden the learners experience, skills, by working with specialist tools and equipment, knowledge and understanding. We aim to give students the experience to work with food, plastics, metals, wood, textiles and electronics. 

 Subject Impact:  

The impact of learning will be measured formally though both their work and practical making by the class teacher using the marking policy of the school. Students individual impact will be monitored in lessons, feedback will be given so students understand where they are and how they can improve. A final outcome coupled with their overall performance will result in a grade for each material area. Students learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation. Be this the ability to understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook, or the ability to develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. 

DT Roadmap

Personal Development

The personal development curriculum embraces the strands of Citizenship, Personal, Health and Social Education (PHSE), Careers Education and Guidance (CEAG) and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) educational policies. In D&T personal development of pupils is supported by the ability to work creatively to allow pupils to solve real life problems in a changing world. Understanding of social, moral, economic and environmental issues surrounding the design and manufacture of products. Students develop presentation skills, group work skills, project and time management. 

In addition, students are taught to: 

Be aware of sustainability and ethical issues in material production, in use and end of life. 

To understand some materials are considered a finite resource. 

Understand the impact materials have on the environment when they are sent to landfill and not reused or recycled. 

Understand moral and social considerations when designing for users from different countries and religions. 

We aim for each young person to develop skills and knowledge; both in practical making, from woodwork, electronics food and textiles, to designing and critical thinking, which they can then take forward and be of benefit in their careers and personal life. The students will be supported in DT with outcomes and lessons constantly adapting to suit the learners needs and to take pride in the outcomes they achieve. In DT they will learn how to communicate with each other effectively and to become more responsive to both peer support and become more willing to help those less able in the classroom. Each student will increase their vocabulary and grammar through written activities while also within the subject it contains a massive push in the understanding of both mathematics and science in how it relates to the ‘real world’.  

Mrs J Williams – Director of Learning Design Technology

Miss C Parry – Teacher of DT

Ms C Addison – Teacher of DT

Mr M Melia – Teacher of DT

Ms C Usher – Teacher of DT

Mrs V Tinsley – Teacher of DT

Mr P Palmer – Teacher of DT

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