Design Technology

Why study Design Technology?

The vision for design and technology is to establish a safe learning environment which is conducive to learning, is stimulating, imaginative and relaxed where students feel supported and secure. Design and technology is an inspiring and practical subject where pupils have the opportunity to be creative in designing and making products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts; they have the chance to demonstrate regard of their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Pupils 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. The curriculum makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of our pupils.

There are three guiding elements which are brought to life in the Design and Technology curriculum:

Educational excellence: Pupils strive for educational excellence and gain a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to design and make high-quality prototypes. The Design and technology curriculum helps pupils to benefit from and learn about electronics, computing, engineering, CAD, CAM, robotics, materials, textiles technology and food and nutrition permitting the acquisition of transferable skills.

Character development: Through engagement and collaboration, pupils learn how to take risks by pioneering creative solutions for 21st Century problems. Pupils are equipped with entrepreneurial skills and have the capability to think critically in problem-solving tasks and the ability to work on innovative projects with appreciation of diversity, respect for others, tolerance and teamwork.

Service to communities: The study of Design and Technology supports entrepreneurial skills empowering communities with modern technological solutions. Pupils become confident designers and have the knowledge of production and manufacturing techniques that consider the needs of the community, the environment and sustainability.

​ How will I study Design Technology?

Pupils learn to:

• 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 breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills to design and make things
• critique, evaluate and test ideas and products and the work of others
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook
• explore design and problem-solving abilities through critical thinking and a variety of approaches
• understand how to be safe in the working environment and follow safe working practices
• build resilience when things go wrong and be able to analyse their own work in order to understand how to better themselves
• unlock curiosity, exploration, experimentation, and investigation
• through the iterative design process, pupils are challenged and stretched to work with creative minds, so they become innovative designers
• exposure to design and technology related professions, some of which include engineering, product design, industrial design, architect, engineer, carpenter, and chef
• help understand nutrition and health and become competent to safely cook a range of healthy savoury dishes
• uses a ‘develop, assess, plan, do, review’ approach, to enable adaptability to emerging problems, meticulous planning, time management and communication skills

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

In year 7, pupils will develop the basic knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. Using progressive technology to develop creative, technical and practical solutions to working design briefs. Students will explore a wide range of materials, techniques and processes including textiles, electronics, robotics and 3D printing. Integrate STEM learning in an 21st century curriculum design to prepare pupils for their future. Learn skills to test and evaluate work of others and students own work to meet design briefs and specifications. Develop an awareness of good health food, safety, food hygiene and basic food preparation skills.
Topics and projects covered in year 7:

• Textiles- Fibres and Fabrics
• Food, Preparation and Nutrition- Healthy Eating
• Papers & Boards- Pop up cards
• Computer Aided Design- Minecraft character
• Electronic Systems & Control- Electronics Mood light

In year 8, pupils will build on the strong foundation of Year 7. Real world problems are solved using technical and specialist skills. Sustainability, the environment, and consumer choice will be studied in detail and underpin all the design briefs, students will develop a critical understanding of how design and technology impacts on daily life and the wider world. Students will become more reflective and see the world and design from the eyes of others and use this to understand their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
Topics and projects covered in year 8:

• Textiles- CAD in Textiles
• Food, Preparation and Nutrition- Taste the World
• Papers & Boards- Technical drawing
• Computer Aided Design- Out of this World
• Robotics- Out of this World

In year 9, pupils learn about real world problems and work on functional solutions. Exploration of different industries including, rail industry, automotive and health care allow pupils to discover a realistic approach to problem solving.
Topics and projects covered in year 9:

• Textiles- Fashion & Sportswear
• Papers & Boards- Architectural Drawing
• Modelling & Prototyping- Architectural Design
• Food & Nutrition- Sustainability

What will I study at Key Stage 4?

At KS4, pupils can choose to study Food Preparation and Nutrition as part of the Design Technology curriculum. The knowledge and skills that have been acquired during Design Technology provide a strong foundation for this qualification. Food and Nutrition allows pupils to:

• 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)
• use utensils and electrical equipment
• apply heat in different ways
• use awareness of taste, texture and smell to decide how to season dishes and combine ingredients
• adapt and use their own recipes
• understand the source, seasonality and characteristics of a broad range of ingredients.

Assessment

Internal assessments take place task place at regular intervals throughout both KS3 and KS4. Broadly, there are two types of assessment; fluency composite task and a composite test.

Composite fluency tasks are completed at the end of a topic and are used to check whether students are reaching curriculum related expectations.

Composite tests are used to assess the cumulative coverage of the curriculum and check whether learning is sticking over time and if students are reaching curriculum related expectations.

External Examinations

Examination board: AQA

Enrichment

The faculty offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s IT facilities as well as specialist design resources. Pupils are also able to develop their curiosity with a cooking competitions and Eden Boys’ bake off.

​ 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.

Useful Resources and revision support 

GCSE Design and Technology – AQA – BBC Bitesize

KS3 CGP Design and Technology The Study Guide

Collins- Food Preparation and Nutrition · Student Art Guide · Bitesize Art & Design · Arts Council · Tate