Design Technology

Inspiring students to work together, solve problems, be creative, communicate and understand electronics, design, structures and ICT is our mission.

The Design and Technology department’s mission statement reflects, in its essence, our commitment to helping all students to reach their full Design and Technological capability in an environment in which every individual is valued and where mutual respect, tolerance and good relationships are the norm.

We have a strong belief in traditional values whilst also demonstrating our determination to apply the latest technologies and methodologies in curriculum delivery and design in order to ensure that our students are equipped to not only function but succeed in a Technological Society.

Every student studies Design and Technology at key stage 3 (KS3) and the majority of students do so at key stage 4 (KS4). The students who do not study Design and Technology at KS4 follow one of two Vocational Courses: Health and Social Care or Engineering. Members of the Design and Technology department teach both Vocational Courses.

Key Stage 3

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow the National Curriculum for Design and Technology. Every student will study six modules each year. The suite of modules consists of:

• Food Technology
• Graphics
• Resistant Materials
• Systems and Control
• Textiles
• Engineering

Students are taught in their mixed-ability form-class groups. By the end of Year 9 students are expected to reach Level 5 or above.

Gifted and Talented students in Year 8 and Year 9 are entered for GCSE Graphic Products. The course involves commitment to at least one hour of “twilight” working (i.e. beyond 3.15 pm) per week.

Key Stage 4

Students choose one of five GCSE AQA syllabuses:

• Design and Technology: Food Technology
• Design and Technology: Graphic Products
• Design and Technology: Resistant Materials
• Design and Technology: Systems and Control
• Design and Technology: Textiles

The schemes of assessment consist of:

• Written paper (40%) and
• Coursework (60%)

The written paper is set at two tiers of assessment: Higher and Foundation. The GCSE course will be certificated on the A*-G scale.

In each of the Design and Technology subjects students will be expected to organise and plan effectively aspects of a Design and Technology activity, and to combine their designing and making skills to produce quality products.

As a Technology College, we make full use of the most advanced computer technology. CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture) features strongly in all of the suite of Design Technology subjects.

Staff

• Mr A. Bates (Subject Leader, Director of Technology)
• Mrs L. A. Ashby (Assistant Subject Leader)
• Mr T. Brooks (NQT)
• Mrs M. Doneghan (i/c Health & Social Care)
• Miss D. Gill (Advanced Skills Teacher)
• Miss K. Johansen (i/c DT Community Liaison)
• Mrs L. Venables (Part Time)
• Mrs C. Wilds (Part Time)