Design and Technology

This course combines the best of both Engineering and GCSE Design and Technology it is appropriate for students who have a keen interest in the engineering sector and wish to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of working with tools, materials and engineering drawing through hands-on experiences. Students must be motivated to apply themselves to project based work which requires a personal commitment to independent work and challenge.

This qualification is designed for students with an interest in engineering and design. It will be delivered through a series of manageable units (see assessment units 1 – 4) which will be mainly practical based. This does not mean that it is solely based within a workshop context. On the contrary, all projects require portfolio evidence which will contain a mixture of written work, drawings and photographic evidence. The 4 assessment units will focus on the following:

Develop an understanding of the engineering sector through a personal study.
Research a new idea.
Use engineering tools and equipment to acquire practical and technical skills.
Understand and perform a range of techniques and processes using selected materials incorporating a significant core of knowledge and theoretical content.
Develop an understanding how drawing is applied in engineering together with systems of measurement, scale and proportion.
Develop high-end industry standard CAD/CAM skills.

Core Subject Principles

Dignity and Respect

We enable pupils to feel a sense of achievement and self-worth within the Design and Technology Department. During KS3, pupils will follow a scheme of learning designed to build on key skills and subject knowledge. We develop pupils’ respect for the environment through promoting sustainability alongside the need for pupils to respect themselves and peers through creating a learning environment where all feel safe to contribute and express their opinions. This is achieved through the design process which deepens pupils’ understanding of the society that they live in.

Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills

We promote the transfer of cross curriculum skills through STEM. Pupils are encouraged to develop pupil initiative solutions to the challenges they face. Pupils discuss and feedback on all aspects of their work and make changes if needed. Pupils are challenged to develop their understanding of subject specific terminology. Skills are embedded to develop their learning and knowledge throughout KS3. We believe a solid grasp of the design and making skills alongside an understanding of subject terminology is key to successfully embed our teaching values during their 7-year journey.

Hope and Aspiration

Each unit is designed to deliver a set of skills which can be developed, transferred and used to improve the way they work through KS3. Students are given the opportunity to develop a wide range of designing and practical skills which can be transferred to many different subjects and real-world situations. Pupils are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves as Design and Technology we believe is vital for later life. The curriculum is designed to create meaningful opportunities for pupils to explore different materials and manufacturing techniques to prepare them for the future. As teachers we share our experiences and passion for Design and Technology within our teaching.