Design Technology
Design Technology Department
Subject overview:
In Design and Technology we prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students learn from the wider influences of Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students have the opportunity to work creatively to identify and solve problems through designing and making, applying technical and practical skills to make different products using a range of materials.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum information:
Students learn through project based activities which are linked to a set brief. Research is undertaken to gain an understanding of existing products and to collect inspiration material. They learn design and making principles which enable them to create their own ideas. These are then developed through modelling and testing to produce creative solutions to the problems identified. Students experiment to develop techniques and practical skills further to make their own products, which are then analysed and evaluated, they are able to use a range of materials. They also learn to use Computer Aided Design CAD and Computer Aided Manufacture CAM. There is an element of theory to support the projects being undertaken.
Exam board: AQA
Key Stage 4 Curriculum information:
The GCSE curriculum develops the skills learnt at KS3. It follows the AQA Specification for Art and Design - three-dimensional design. The subject content is presented under four areas of focus:
Critical understanding – Investigating the work of others
Creative making – Refining and developing own ideas using a variety of materials
Reflective recording – Recording ideas
Personal presentation – Presentation of your own ideas and outcomes
Some examples of areas that students can select to investigate:
- Architectural design
- Product design
- Environmental/landscape design
- Design for theatre, film and television
- Jewellery
COURSE CONTENT & STRUCTURE
Component 1 is a major portfolio of work from an area of study selected from the list above. It forms 60% of the total qualification. The work is compiled throughout the duration of the course. It is internally set.
Component 2 is set by the exam board, commencing in January of the final year of study. Candidates have a set period of time to research and prepare their final piece which is then produced during a 10 hour supervised time, broken into two 5 hour blocks. Students are required to work unaided and under supervised conditions. It is worth 40% of the overall mark.
All work must be in line with the 4 assessment objectives. Both components are internally marked by the centre and moderated by the exam board.
Related careers:
Design and Technology provides students with a thorough grounding in a broad range of skills which play an important role in today’s world. This would aid accessing exciting and varied career opportunities that could include: exhibition designer, furniture designer, industrial/product designer, interior designer, advertising art director, automotive engineer, graphic designer, architect, materials engineer, product manager, retail buyer and product developer.
Extra curricular opportunities:
We run a DT club enabling student to work in the workshop to produce timber based products.
