Design Technology
Design Technology
Why study Design Technology?
Design Technology enables pupils to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design and by working with different resources, materials, and tools. As a result, pupils gain technical and design awareness, and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry, and ingenuity.
Studying this subject, allows for pupils to apply general knowledge and turn everyday activities into useful learning strategies.
How will I study Design Technology?
Pupils study Design Technology through project-based tasks. The curriculum teaches pupils to think creatively, and it encourages them to solve problems in innovative ways. They will use an iterative design process, in all three subject areas: Food Technology, Textiles, and finally Product Design.
They will learn how electronic systems work and how to manufacture products that meet the needs of others. They will analyse and engage with existing materials and equipment including sewing machines and kitchenware. Pupils will utilise technology and learn how they could apply their understanding in various situations. They will demonstrate their skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. Pupils will learn how to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve real-world problems in an exciting and engaging way. Ultimately, pupils become confident, competent, and creative designers who can think critically within a range of contexts.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
All KS3 year groups go through a transition to study the 3 different Design and Technology subject areas. See the format below:
1st term: Food Technology– Design recipes and create food products while learning about nutrition.
2nd term: Textiles– Learn about different fabrics, how they are made, and ways you can use them to create products.
3rd term: Product Design- Work with materials like metals, plastic, wood, and use them to make interesting products.
The topic for each subject area is as follows:
Year 7:
Food Technology: Healthy eating- Develop an awareness of good health food, safety, food hygiene and basic food preparation.
Textiles: Cultural pillow- design and make a pillow with emphasis on cultural designs.
Product Design: Wooden Bookmark- using Pyrography pen to design a bookmark.
Year8:
Food Technology: Food around the world- Pupils learn to appreciate British cuisines and foods of the world and make more conscious decisions in food preparations.
Textiles: Endangered and Extinct animals Tote bag- making a tote bag that will have designs to raise awareness about the extinct and endangered animals of pupil’s choice.
Product Design: Wooden birdhouse- using Pyrography pen to design on a birdhouse. As well as using paint, sanding, and wood coatings to create a polished outcome.
Year 9:
Food Technology: Food and wider issues- Pupils learn about food and wider issues. Technical skills are demonstrated throughout this year which will help to make informed choices for KS4 options.
Textiles: Tabby weaved coaster matts- using weaving loom kits to create own coaster matts with their own choice of weave binding techniques.
Product Design: Architectural design- students learn how to translate an idea into physical reality by model making.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
At KS4, pupils can choose to study BTEC Tec Award Textiles as part of the Art and Design curriculum. The knowledge and skills that have been acquired during Design Technology provide a strong foundation for this qualification. Textile Design allows pupils to work on a selection of themes to develop and explore areas of Textiles including printing, dyeing and fashion illustration. They will investigate the work of existing artists and designers and explore their use of materials, techniques and processes. They will respond to client briefs through a series of research and practical-based tasks. They will immerse themselves in the creation of functional and non-functional textile products using a range of media and approaches. As they develop their skill and understanding, they will refine their ideas and gain confidence through experimentation and exploration. Pupils will gather inspiration from primary sources and first-hand experiences to help them develop personal and meaningful works of art. Pupils will create a portfolio which consists of sketchbooks, design boards and maquettes.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
BTEC Tech Award Art & Design Practice – Textiles
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 1: Creative Practice in Art & Design – Textiles (60%) |
Learners will investigate art and design practice to inform the generation and communication of ideas and will develop practical skills through exploration of specialist materials, techniques and processes. Internal assessment (Pearson Set Assignment) with 4 tasks. Externally moderated |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 2: Responding to a brief (40%) |
Learners will develop and produce art and design work in response to a creative brief. External synoptic task. |
Enrichment
The faculty offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s state-of-the-art Food Technology and Textiles room. Pupils are also able to develop their curiosity with a weekly cooking club, during lunchtimes, where they can learn to prepare various healthy dishes. Aspiring chefs can support school events taking part in a range of activities, including hospitality and catering.
Careers
The study of Design Technology in resistant materials, food and textiles can lead to future study and professions such as Software Game Developer, Chef, Nutritional Therapist, Art Curator, Graphic Designer and areas of Engineering.