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    Design Technology- Curriculum Information

    Curriculum Intent

    Aims of the Design Technology Department

    To develop in each pupil:

    • Self-esteem and a feeling of self-worth.
    • An awareness of the modern world, and an environmental and aesthetic appreciation of it.
    • The ability and confidence to communicate effectively. This includes development of the key skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT within Design and Technology.
    • A sound technological understanding.
    • The ability to understand and analyse information.
    • The ability to apply knowledge and skills to solve problems.
    • A creative and enquiring mind. 
    • Knowledge and understanding of a range of materials.

    Departmental Staff

    Mr Rasarathnam - Lead Subject Leader DT and STEM

    Ms C Whitby - Subject Leader Food

    Mrs M Knight - DT Teacher

    Ms J Baptiste - Teacher

    Mr R Frape - DT Technician

    Ms K Bower – Food Technician

    Facilities

    Two equipped Design and Technology workshops

    Two well equipped Art rooms including a kiln

    Two equipped Food Technology rooms

    A specialist room for the teaching of Graphics with ICT facilities

    Our Philosophy

    • To provide our students with 'real life' problem solving skills relevant to today's environment.
    • To provide our students with the capabilities to communicate and develop their ideas and thought processes using the technological tools of today, whilst reflecting on past practices.
    • We aim to create within the department an environment, which will encourage pupils to achieve high standards, the best of which they are capable, in as many areas as possible and provide the foundations for a happy and successful adult life.   

    Key Stage 3 - Years 7-9

    • Students attend 3 DT lessons per fortnight.

    • At KS3 students explore a wide range of materials.

    • Current design and make projects include:

    1. Year 7- Biomimicry lamps (Wood work and electronics), Polymorph Action Figures (Graphics) 
    2. Year 8- Mechanical toys (Mechanisms and systems), Soft toys (Textiles)  
    3. Year 9- Travel games (Graphics and Wood work), Architectural models (Graphics) 

    KS4 - Years 10-11

    Students attend 5 lessons per fortnight:

    • Eduqas - Food Preparation and Nutrition and AQA GCSE Design and Technology (Covers Resistant Materials, Product Design, Graphic Products Systems and some Textiles).
    • Non Exam Assessment (NEA's) 

      In Food there are 2 NEA's. The themes are released in the Autumn Term:

      NEA1 - A Food Science based task - October/November of year 11

      NEA2 - A research project with an extended practical food exam (3 hours)- January/February/March of year 11

    • Both GCSEs are 50% controlled assessment tasks and 50% exam with a mix of long and short answer questions.
    • The controlled assessment in all DT subject areas begins in the summer term of Year 10 and continues through to February half term of Year 11

    Additional Sessions

    We run DT intervention sessions for KS4 sessions on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 3.15pm-4.15pm

    Food - Thursday 3.15-4.15 or lunchtimes in T5 and masterclasses, visits and speakers - will be incorporated into lessons to enable all students to participate

    Revision Sessions

    For Easter Revision Sessions, please see Exam Support and Timetables page - under Teaching & Learning.

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