Design and Technology
Overview
We are an enthusiastic and dynamic team. Each week we offer a lesson of Product Design, Food and Textiles to Year 7 and 8 students throughout the year so they can experience a wider range of technological concepts whilst offering literacy for all. We currently offer GCSE courses in Product Design, BTEC Engineering and Food and Nutrition. In the Sixth Form students can follow A Level Product Design and BTEC Engineering.
The department offers after school opportunities for all KS4 and 5 students to complete coursework and improve their performance in examinations. Additionally, there are specific clubs including the KS3 Bake Off which is very popular and mimics the popular TV series.
Key Stage 3
Over Key Stage 3, students study a wide range of subjects consisting of Food and Nutrition, Resistant Materials, Textiles, Electronics and Product Design, undertaking design and make projects in every area. Students learn to be proficient at hand tool skills, design skills and use of the latest CAD/CAM equipment to help facilitate them in making their products. Students will also build their knowledge of materials, ingredients and components ready for Key Stage 4 courses.
Key Stage 4
OCR Engineering Manufacturer
This qualification will enable you to learn about the process of engineering manufacture, and understand the different materials that can be used to manufacture products. You will develop the ability to plan the production of a one-off product using a range of hand-held pieces of equipment and machining methods. You will also learn how to program CNC equipment to manufacture. These skills will help you progress onto further study in the engineering, manufacturing, process and control sector.
AQA Food Preparation and Nutrition
This GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students’ practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition.
AQA Design Technology (Product Design)
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.
EdExcel Design Technology (Textiles)
The GCSE in Design and Technology enables students to understand and apply iterative design processes through which they explore, create and evaluate a range of outcomes. The qualification enables students to use creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes (together with evidence of modelling to develop and prove product concept and function) that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. It gives students opportunities to apply knowledge from other disciplines, including mathematics, science, art and design, computing and the humanities.
KS5
AQA Product Design
This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.
EdExcel Engineering
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering is designed for learners who are interested in a career in the engineering sector and want to progress to further study in the sector. Learners will take a practical, applied engineering course as part of their Level 3 study programme, which gives them an introduction to the sector. They will be able to combine this with other qualifications, such as a GCE A Level in Mathematics or Physics, which would allow them to progress to higher education to study engineering or other STEM-related programmes.
