Design and Technology
Why study Design Technology?
Design Technology enables pupils to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design and by working with different resources, materials, and tools. As a result, pupils gain technical and design awareness, and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity.
Design Technology is in ever more demand in today’s 21st century, where practical skills are highly valued, and many individuals choose to run their own businesses and create their own products.
Studying this subject, in its unique and differential ways, allows for pupils to apply general knowledge and turn everyday activities into useful learning strategies.
How will I study Design Technology?
Pupils study Design Technology through project-based tasks. The curriculum teaches pupils to think creatively, and it encourages them to solve problems in innovative ways. They will use an iterative design process, in textiles, food and design technology. They will learn how electronic systems work and how to manufacture products that meet the needs of others. They will analyse and engage with existing materials and equipment including laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines and kitchenware. Pupils will utilise CAD/CAM technology and learn how they could apply their understanding in various situations. They will demonstrate their skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. Pupils will learn how to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve real-world problems in an exciting and engaging way. Ultimately, pupils become confident, competent, and creative designers who can think critically within a range of contexts.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
Pupils will analyse and explore existing products in order to develop their creative thinking and design skills. They will work to design briefs in all areas of Design Technology and develop products that address the needs of others.
During Year 7, pupils will study a theme of ‘Undercity Ocean’, where they will design and make items useful to living underwater. In food, they will learn to build an understanding of healthy eating, seasonality and the importance of minimising waste. Within textiles, they will learn to use hand sewing equipment and learn how fabrics and fibres are constructed.
During Year 8, pupils will design and make a lightbox, study international foods and learn to confidently use the sewing machine. They will explore several ideas, mechanisms, concepts and approaches to understanding the best possible solution.
During Year 9, pupils will discover a different theme of ‘On the Move’, they will explore the impact of fast fashion in textiles as well as learning more about food science.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
At KS4, pupils can choose to study Textile Design as part of the Art and Design curriculum. The knowledge and skills that have been acquired during Design Technology provide a strong foundation for this qualification. Textile Design allows pupils to work on a selection of themes to develop and explore areas of Textiles including printing, dyeing and fashion illustration. They will investigate the work of existing artists and designers and explore their use of materials, techniques and processes. They will respond to client briefs through a series of research and practical-based tasks. They will immerse themselves in the creation of functional and non-functional textile products using a range of media and approaches. As they develop their skill and understanding, they will refine their ideas and gain confidence through experimentation and exploration. Pupils will gather inspiration from primary sources and first-hand experiences to help them develop personal and meaningful works of art. Pupils will create a portfolio which consists of sketchbooks, design boards and maquettes.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
GCSE Textile Design
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 1: Coursework – 60% | Students develop responses to initial starting points, project briefs or specified tasks and realise intentions informed by research, the development and refinement of ideas and meaningful engagement with selected sources. Responses will include evidence of drawing for different purposes and needs written annotation. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 2: Externally Set Task – 10 Hour Exam – 40% | Students respond to a starting point provided by AQA. This response provides evidence of the student’s ability to work independently within specified time constraints, realise intentions that are personal and meaningful and explicitly address the requirements of all four assessment objectives |
Enrichment
The faculty offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s state-of-the-art CAM and IT facilities as well as specialist design resources, from outside of school, such as engaging with new and updated Dyson Technology from The James Dyson Foundation. Pupils are also able to develop their curiosity with a weekly cooking club, during lunchtimes, where they can learn to prepare various healthy dishes.
Careers
The study of Design Technology in resistant materials, food and textiles can lead to future study and professions such as Software Game Developer, Chef, Nutritional Therapist, Art Curator, Graphic Designer and all areas of Engineering.