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Design & Technology
Our Design and Technology department aims to provide a stimulating environment where pupils have the opportunity to work in a safe, creative and innovative manner. The department has a dedicated workshop for Resistant Materials as well as a Graphic Design suite and a fully equipped specialist kitchen for Food Preparation and Nutrition. We strive to provide an inspiring learning space that encourages our pupils to fulfil their potential through technical and enjoyable design and make tasks.
Lower School
In Lower School, pupils will complete a range of activities in Resistant Materials and Graphic Design. Whilst in the workshop, pupils will work with wood, metal and plastic which will allow them to gain a secure knowledge and understanding of relevant techniques and skills required.
Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture (CADCAM) is an integral part of our Design and Technology curriculum. This is evident throughout our planned Key Stage 3 projects and allows our pupils to interact with how 2D and 3D CAD drawings can be made into real-life products.
Year 7 and 8 pupils also have lessons in Food Preparation and Nutrition.
GCSE
GCSE Design and Technology prepares learners to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world; and be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.
Assessment overview
Component 1 – Design and Technology in the 21st Century
Written examination: 2 hours (100 marks) / 50% of qualification
A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of:
Technical principles
- Design and technology and our world
- Smart materials
- Electronic systems and programmable components
- Mechanical components and devices
- Materials
- Materials specialism
Designing and making principles
- Understanding design and technology practice
- Understanding user needs
- Writing a design brief and specifications
- Investigating challenges
- Developing ideas
- Investigating the work of others
- Using design strategies
- Communicating ideas
- Developing a prototype
- Making decisions
Component 2 – Design and make task
Non-examined assessment (coursework): approximately 35 hours (100 marks) / 50% of qualification
A sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by the exam board, assessing candidates’ ability to:
- identify, investigate and outline design possibilities
- design and make prototypes
- analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology
A Level
A Level Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems. Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject.
Learners are encouraged to use creativity and imagination when applying iterative design processes to develop and modify designs, and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values.
The specification enables learners to identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions, and make and test prototypes. Students will acquire subject knowledge in design and technology, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture.
Assessment overview
Component 1 – Design and Technology in the 21st Century
Written examination: 3 hours (100 marks) / 50% of qualification
Learners take a single examination in the following endorsed area: Product design
The examination includes a mix of structured and extended writing questions assessing learners’ knowledge and understanding of:
Technical principles
- Designing and innovation
- Materials and components
- Processes
- Industrial and commercial practice
- Product analysis and systems
- Human responsibility
- Public interaction – marketing and research.
Designing and making principles
Along with their ability to:
- analyse and evaluate wider issues in design and technology.
Component 2: Design and make project
Non-examined assessment (coursework): approximately 80 hours (100 marks) / 50% of qualification
A sustained design and make project, based on a brief developed by the candidate, assessing the candidate’s ability to:
- identify, investigate and outline design possibilities
- design and make prototypes
- analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes, including for prototypes made by themselves and others
