Technology
Years 7-11
The world of technology is always changing, therefore our aim is to develop students into forward thinking, skillful adults.
Design technology is embedded with the faculty offering our students an inspiring and practical subject which prepares all young people to live and work in the designed and made world. Students will be provided with opportunities to develop their capability, combining their designing and making skills knowledge and understanding in order to create quality products in the home.
As pupils progress through Key Stage 3, they are given the opportunity to focus on specific aspects of the subject such as Product Design, Food Technology and Art. Sustainability is a key thread throughout all Design Technology subjects where pupils use upcycling to develop products and students will be taught and understand the importance of being environmentally friendly. Food Technology encourages pupils to collaborate with another and plan, prepare and evaluate healthy meals and living. Within Art pupils develop understanding of a range of art styles, artists and cultures. They develop skills in responding to these sources to produce personal outcomes. They are encouraged to explore a variety of materials, skills and processes to enhance the creative abilities. Design Technology embeds some of the basic design skills in year 7 through the use of CAD software (2D), before introducing the pupils to using hand tools/machinery to shape and finish a souvenir coin stand. These skills are then combined to create both a hand made maze game followed up by a 3D printed maze game. The projects across Year 7-9 are designed to up skill the pupils in hand craft as well as computer craft. This way the pupils will be familiar with some of the tasks/processes found in industry. Due to the rotational nature of design technology all students will experience all lessons, but not necessarily in the order stated in the long term plan.
At Key Stage 4 students have the opportunity to study 3D Design as well as Food Preparation and Nutrition.
GCSE 3D Design Assessment and Marking
The following marking procedure is relevant to all Art and Design endorsements, including Art, Craft and Design, 3D Design and Photography.
GCSE Art and Design is assessed through a portfolio of coursework and an externally set assignment. Students’ work is marked by specialist teachers using the assessment objectives set by AQA.
To ensure that marking is accurate, fair and consistent, all assessment is internally standardised within the Art and Design Department. Teachers compare and discuss samples of work and apply the AQA assessment criteria collectively before final marks are submitted.
Once marks have been submitted, AQA appoints an external moderator who reviews a sample of students’ work to check that the assessment standards have been applied correctly. This moderation process ensures consistency across all school.
Please click on the button below for more information about the curriculum for Design Technology.