Design Technology

SUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Head of Department: Tom Hordern

Design Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Pupils at Christ’s, through the evaluation of past and present Design and Technology, develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and in the wider world.

The Department consists of a well-resourced Textiles room which includes 14 sewing machines and a computerised embroidery machine, pattern cutting tables and a small suite of computers. A Food Technology specialist kitchen with multiple cooking
stations. And our Resistant materials workshop offering a well equipped workshop classroom and an adjoining specialist cutting workshop and student project space. Specialist equipment such as a vacuum former and a laser cutter regularly allow pupils access to machinery that realises ambitious project goals. The Technology departments. Teaching rooms are supported by the Faculties Technicians. The Department also offers Graphics at KS3 in our specialist Art rooms and computer suites.

THE CURRICULUM

Key Stage 3

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an interactive process of designing and making. They work in a range of domestic and local contexts for example: the home; health; leisure, and culture, and industrial contexts for example: engineering; manufacturing; construction; food; energy; and fashion. Students can expect three pieces of Homework per practical project in Technology. [1]

Design Technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

Students at Christ’s are taught to:

Use research and exploration, such as the study of different cultures, to identify and understand user needs
Identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them
Develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations
Develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations and computer-based tools
Select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture
Analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding
Investigate new and emerging technologies and test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into account the views of intended users and other interested groups
Understand how more advanced electrical and electronic systems can be powered and used in their products for example: circuits with heat; light; sound and movement as inputs and outputs
Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and health
Cook a repertoire of predominantly savoury dishes so that they are able to feed themselves and others a healthy and varied diet
Become competent in a range of cooking techniques, for example: selecting and preparing ingredients; using utensils and electrical equipment; applying heat in different ways; using awareness of taste, texture and smell to decide how to season dishes and combine ingredients; adapting and using their own recipes.

To find out more about homework requirements, please visit the Homework section of this website.

Key Stage 4 - GCSE

The department ensures exciting and creative pathways are delivered to push outcomes and that the subject specific content reflects best practice nationally. Pupils have every opportunity to work in the department outside of lessons in numerous extra-curricular activities; homework is set weekly and is practical or research based.

Food Technology GCSE involves learning a range of skills, mini projects on cakes; bread; pastry and cook-chill. Researching about ingredients; authentic foods and farming in relation to the environment and traceability.

Design Technology GCSE is broken down in Year 10 into three main projects that allow pupils to experiment with ideas while researching relevant construction processes, and material properties. In Year 11 students will produce a final product in accordance with the design briefs set by the exam board.

The Textiles Art GCSE course aims to foster in students a broad understanding of the nature of Art and Design through Textiles. Students build on areas of experience covered in years 7-9 as well as learning new skills in order to present possible solutions for their ideas in increasingly independent study.

Key Stage 5 - A level product design

Product Design students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on Design and Technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing prototypes of their choice. This creative and thought-provoking course gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a Designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. At Christ's we follow the AQA examination board syllabus.

Homework will involve both research and practical tasks, it is expected that for each lesson studied 1 hour of homework will also be completed. Students are expected to demonstrate an interest in Design outside of school, actively visiting galleries and workshops and exploring the work of other Designers. Students have every opportunity to work in the Departments workshops outside of lessons in numerous extra-curricular activities.

TOPICS COVERED

Technical principles:

physical and mechanical properties (working characteristics)
product function
aesthetics
cost
manufacture and disposal

Designing and making principles:

Historical influences
Social influences
Cultural influences
Environmental influences
economic influences
Designers and their work

The knowledge and skills gained in Year 12 is then put into practice in Year 13 when students undertake an extensive major design project, offering students the chance to write their own context and brief and to make their ideas a reality. Assessment in Year 12 and 13 involves both practical NEAs and formal written examination papers.

ENRICHMENT & EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Christ's Art and Technology department has a proud history of involvement in local and national design competitions and awards. Students work from all stages is entered annually. Numerous opportunities are available through clubs and afterschool workshops. The department has good links with other STEM subjects in its extra-circular provision.