Design & Technology

Mr Konten

Head of D.T

”Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep.

Why is Design & Technology Important?

Design and Technology provides pupils with the opportunity to be creative, problem-solve, develop cognitive skills and hand skills. D and T is one of the only subjects to have multiple cross-curricular links with other subjects. It allows pupils to bring all the knowledge learnt from other subjects into a practical environment. D and T can enhance future employment opportunities and develop life long skills that will make pupils more self-sustainable.

What Will I Learn At Key Stage 3?

During Key Stage 3 pupils will learn:

to develop their thinking through the processes of planning, developing and reflecting. In design and technology, pupils design and make products through the iterative process of creating and developing ideas, designing products, planning, making and reflecting on their decisions and outcomes in terms of their finished product
to develop their communication skills through the skills of oracy, reading, writing and wider communication. In design and technology, pupils ask questions and seek out information to develop and support their design idea
to develop their ICT skills by finding, developing, creating and presenting information and ideas and by using a wide range of equipment and software. Pupils also use computer-aided design (CAD) in order to communicate, model and evaluate ideas.
to develop their number skills across the curriculum by using mathematical information, calculating, and interpreting and presenting findings
to promote their health and emotional well-being and moral and spiritual development; to become active citizens and promote sustainable development and global citizenship; and to prepare for lifelong learning.

What Topics Are Covered At Key Stage 3?

During Key Stage 3 pupils learn about the following topics:

Health and safety in the workshop
Materials and their properties
Drawing skills e.g. oblique drawing, 2point perspective drawing
How to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD), fusion 360
How to analyse existing products
How to produce a specification for a product
How to produce a production plan
How to use tools and equipment safely to help a functional product
How to evaluate their finished product.

How Will I Be Assessed At Key Stage 3?

At key stage 3, you will be assessed using level descriptors ranging from Level 1 to Level 8. The level descriptions incorporate the main characteristics of progression in design and technology and within the level descriptions are the two key themes of designing and making products. While designing and making should be considered as an integrated activity, it is useful to look at the skills and knowledge that make up the process of designing and making and the way in which the level descriptions are constructed. Level descriptions in design and technology focus on pupils’ capabilities with respect to: generating, developing and communicating ideas; planning and producing quality products; and evaluating. The level descriptions are not related to a particular phase or key stage but describe the types and range of performance that learners working at a particular level should characteristically demonstrate.

What Will I Learn At Key Stage 4?

Product Design is a GSCE that will provide pupils with the opportunity to learn to:

develop an appreciation of the importance of creativity and innovation to good design practice
actively engage in the processes of design and technology to develop as effective and independent learners
understand the key principles of designing and making
use their knowledge, skills and understanding to make design decisions in order to make a quality prototype
analyse existing products and produce practical solutions to meet needs, wants and opportunities, recognising their impact on the quality of life
critically analyse links between the principles of good design, existing solutions and technological knowledge
understand the underlying technical principles within design and technology
within their chosen endorsed area, with emphasis on emerging technologies, materials and practices.

What Topics Are Covered At Key Stage 4?

During Key Stage 4 the following topics are covered:

Papers and boards
Natural and manufactured timber
Ferrous and nonferrous metals
Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers
Modern and smart materials
The sources, origins, physical and working properties of materials, components and systems
The way in which the selection of materials or components is influenced by a range of factors such as functional, aesthetic, environmental, availability, cost, social, cultural and ethical
Stock forms, types and sizes in order to calculate and determine the quantity of materials or components required
Alternative processes that can be used to manufacture products to different scales of production
Specialist techniques and processes that can be used to shape, fabricate, construct and assemble a high-quality prototype
Appropriate surface treatments and finishes that can be applied for functional and aesthetic purposes

How Will I Be Assessed At Key Stage 4?

At Key Stage 4 you will be assessed by 2 units. Unit 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century Written examination: 2 hours 50% of qualification A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of Product Design. Unit 2 is a Non-Exam Assessment 50% of qualification. This involves a contextual challenge where learners are required to:

identify and understand client and user needs
write a design brief and specifications
identify opportunities and constraints that influence the processes of designing and making
explore, develop, test, critically analyse and evaluate ideas
use different design strategies to generate initial ideas
develop, communicate, record and justify design ideas
design and develop at least one prototype* that is fit for purpose
make informed and reasoned decisions to identify the potential for further development

In addition, when designing and making in relation to the endorsed area of choice, learners are required to:

select and work with appropriate materials and components to produce a prototype
use appropriate and accurate marking out methods; work within tolerances; understand efficient cutting and minimise waste
use specialist techniques and processes to shape, fabricate, construct and assemble a high-quality prototype, as appropriate to the materials and/or components being used
use appropriate surface treatments and finishes

What Facilities Does The Department Have?

The Design and Technology department has the following resources: Hand Tools Basic hand tools such as saws, chisels, files, hammers, marking out equipment. Machinery Belts sanders, Bobbing machines, Pillar drills, Vacuum former, Specialist Machinery 3D printer, Laser cutter

What Extra Curricular Activities Are There?

At Key Stage 3 there is a Make and Take Club (MAT). Key Stage 4 pupils have the opportunity to develop their CAD skills through the use of fusion 360.