Statement of Curriculum Intent

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Students learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

This means:

• Developing the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
• Building and applying a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
• Analysing, evaluating and testing their ideas and products and the work of others.
• Understanding and applying the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Key Stage 3

In Years 7-9, students work within a carrousel system, whereby they undertake a range of D&T activities relating to the different areas of D&T. These include projects using resistant materials, electronics and systems & control; textiles, graphics and food and nutrition. There is a strong emphasis on designing and students are introduced to computer aided design and manufacture from the outset in Year 7.

Students are assessed on a number of technology specific areas during KS3. The areas include; research and analysis, designing and developing, making, technical knowledge and understanding, and evaluating and testing. Each project is assessed on one of these areas.

Key Stage 4

Recent changes to the KS4 curriculum mean that the department offers a wide range of qualifications that aim to meet the needs of all of our students. These include both traditional GCSE qualifications and a number the newly developed Level 2 Technical Awards which are for students wishing to study in more specialist areas. All qualifications require students to undertake practical activity whilst demonstrating their theoretical under-pinning knowledge. All qualifications provide a solid platform for students who wish to go on and study the subject areas at a higher level or enter in to apprenticeships and the world of work.

Extra-Curricular

The department prides itself on the variety of extra-curricular activities that the department offers to its students. These include STEM and SATRO, engineering problem solving competitions and events; trips to subject relevant places of interest such as the Farnborough air show, and currently, students within the department are manufacturing a vehicle which they aim to race in the Green Car national competition.

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