Philosophy and Vision
In technology I would like a world class curriculum in which learners get the chance to engage and use the latest technologies available to school, in preparation for the new world emerging through STEM developments.
Mr. P. Talbott. Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils 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. (DT – NC)
Curriculum overview
KS3 is a mixture of learning and skills development based on the need to build basic skills in preparation for a choice of options which includes DT, Catering, Engineering and Construction.
KS4 Curriculum (Y9-11) – links to GCSE specifications
Design and Technology Upper School
WJEC Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering
EDUQAS Level 1 & 2 Award in Hospitality and Catering
What will I learn?
The EDUQAS Level 1/2 Award in Hospitality and Catering has been designed to support learners in schools and colleges who want to learn about this vocational sector and the potential it can offer them for their careers or further study and their progression to employment.
Employment in hospitality and catering can range from waiting staff, receptionists and catering assistants to chefs, hotel and bar managers and food technologists in food manufacturing.
How it is Assessed?
Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry
40% (90 Marks) are thorough assessment by an online written examination – 1 hour 30mins
Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in Action
60% Non Examination assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated. This includes a 3hours practical exam where you will create a two course meal for two people with accompaniments.
How is the subject awarded?
The final qualification is awarded – Level 2 Distinction *, Distinction, Merit, Pass, Level 1 Pass.
Possible progression routes:
Employment in hospitality and catering can range from waiting staff, receptionists and catering assistants to chefs, hotel and bar managers and food technologists in food manufacturing.
Design and Technology/Product Innovation – GCSE
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.
What qualification will I gain?
1 GCSE – Awarded 1-9
What will I learn about?
GCSE Design and Technology specification sets out the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating. The majority of the specification should is delivered through the practical application of this knowledge and understanding.
The subject content is split into three sections as follows:
- Core technical principles
- Specialist technical principles
- Designing and making principles
Assessment
The exam is worth 50% of the overall grade and will consist of one 2 hour exam. The Non-exam assessment contributes towards 50% of the students overall mark. The NEA project in its entirety should take between 30-35 hours to complete and consist of a working prototype and a concise portfolio of approximately 20 pages of A3 paper, equivalent A4 paper or the digital equivalent.
How will this course help me in the future?
It is an excellent foundation for graphic and media related courses in Sixth Form and University. It also provides a wide range of career pathways into Graphic Design, Product Design, Engineering Design, Games Design, Advertising and many more.
Level 1/2 Construction – Technical Award
Why Construction?
Technical Award qualifications are designed for use in colleges, schools and the workplace as introductory level 2 courses for learners wanting to study in the context of a vocational sector. The knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in studying a Technical Award will aid progression to further study and prepare learners to enter the workplace in due course. Entry-level employment opportunities in the construction industry include a wide range of roles such as junior technician or in the construction trades.
How is the subject awarded?
The final qualification is awarded – Level 2 Distinction *, Distinction, Merit, Pass, Level 1 Distinction, Merit or Pass.
The key learning areas are:
Construction Technology – this unit covers the different forms of construction that can be used for low-rise offices, retail units and homes. Learners will develop an understanding of the structural performance required for low-rise construction, and explore how substructures and superstructures are constructed. This unit will be externally assessed.
Construction and Design – in this unit learners will develop a broad understanding of the construction industry, the sort of projects it undertakes and the contribution it makes to wider society. Learners will also look at how client needs can shape the design of a building, and develop their own design ideas to a given brief.
Scientific and Mathematical Applications for Construction – in this unit learners will apply scientific and mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills to practical construction contexts. Learners will develop an understanding of the scientific principles affecting the performance of construction materials and develop skills to perform mathematical calculations in construction contexts.
Exploring Carpentry and Joinery Principles and Techniques – This unit will introduce learners to the tools, materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) used by carpenters and joiners. You will learn about the potential health and safety hazards in a carpentry and joinery work area, how to carry out a risk assessment, and what is safe working practice in the use of common tools and equipment. You will also develop the knowledge, skills and techniques to determine and select appropriate materials to produce a timber frame to a given specification.
Level 1/2 Engineering – Technical Award
Why Engineering?
The UK is regarded as a world leader in engineering, which covers a wide range of exciting and rapidly developing areas such as renewable energy, space, low carbon, aerospace, automotive, agri-food and bioscience. People with engineering skills are always in demand. Between 2010 and
2020, engineering companies are projected to have 2.74 million job openings.
How is the subject awarded?
The final qualification is awarded – Level 2 Distinction *, Distinction, Merit, Pass, Level 1 Distinction, Merit or Pass.
What does the qualification cover?
The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:
- Development of key engineering practical and technical skills, such as research, observation, measurement, making, using computer-aided design (CAD) and disassembly
- Knowledge of key engineering sectors (mechanical, electrical/electronic and engineering design) and the interrelation of each in industry
- Knowledge of the stages involved in planning and implementing an engineering project
- Knowledge and skills involved in the investigation of solutions to engineering problems in response to a given brief.
Assessment
The course has 3 elements as part of the assessment. The coursework contains 2 Components @ 30% each totalling 60% of the course, followed by an exam worth 40%.
Component 1: Exploring Engineering Sectors and Design Applications
Learning aims
A Understand engineering sectors, products and organisations, and how they interrelate
B Explore engineering skills through the design process.
Component 2: Investigating an Engineering Project
Learning aims
A Understand materials, components and processes for a given engineered product
B Investigate a given engineered product using disassembly techniques
C Plan the manufacture and safely reproduce/inspect/test a given engineered component.
Component 3:
Responding to an Engineering Brief (Exam)
Possible progression routes:
Progression from this qualification could lead to a Level 3 Engineering qualification at College or an apprenticeship within the Engineering or Manufacturing sector.
KS3 Curriculum (Y7-8)
Design and Technology Lower School
Year 7
Pupils will study a range of projects utilising traditional skills, new technologies and gain a love for food preparation and nutrition. The pupils are taught in a carousel (3 x 13 week blocks). Cycle 1 – The pupils produce a maze game which is a project based on the design process to develop core skills which includes basic analysis, drawing techniques, net shapes and CAD/CAM modelling. Cycle 2 – The pupils produce projects which cover tradition skills blended with Product Design to produce a sweet dispenser (including the use of recycled materials) and a pencil holder. Cycle 3 – The pupils experience cooking and nutrition to cover basic preparation techniques and skills; including the preparation and making of dishes such as fruit crumble, pizza baguettes, cupcakes , cheese scones and explore the making of healthy alternatives.
Year 8
In Year 8 the pupils will continue to study a range of projects utilising the design process, introduction to electronics and control and further develop a love for food preparation and nutrition. The pupils are taught in a carousel (3 x 13 week blocks). Cycle 1 – The pupils produce a passive amplifier and a mechanical toy which is a design and a mechanisms project based around product analysis/research/investigate and CAD/CAM modelling. Cycle 2 – The pupils produce a Steady Hand Game which incorporates the use of Micro-Controllers and use of PIC technology (Systems and Control). Cycle 3 – The pupils experience cooking and nutrition projects developing an increased knowledge in the preparation and cooking of dishes such as enchiladas, bread products, dessert dishes and international cuisine.
Assessment
From Year 7-11, students are assessed against the GCSE AQA assessment objectives. In 7 and 8 this is reported as NAME. Assessments take place during each unit of work. Students are assessed in both practical outcome and the quality of the design process folder (50/50).
