Design and Technology

Below shows what is covered in each of these projects.

Product Design

Lamp Project

Students are required to design and manufacture a desk lamp using a range of hand tools in the workshop, different types of wood and plastics as well as learning how to use 2D Techsoft and the basics of a laser cutter.

Food Technology

Baking

Students have the opportunity to use the newly renovated kitchen and bake the following foods:

• Choc rocks
• Fairy cakes
• Feta, Olive and sun-dried tomato scones
• Jam tarts
• Oat and honey biscuits
• Olive bread swirls

Engineering

Structures Project

Students learn about complex structures, how society has been developed through engineering and make an icosahedron out of rolled up paper tubes. Students also have the opportunity to manufacture a moisture tester, creating and soldering the circuit boards themselves.

CAD

2D Design

Students learn how to use 2D Techsoft, a computer aided design software which allows the user to laser cut and engrave onto materials such as Acrylic, Plywood and MDF.

Graphics

Games Cover

Students create and design a new game cover using Photoshop.

Assessment

Students have one, double period lesson each week across KS3. Students’ books are also marked every two weeks and are encouraged to respond to feedback. Each rotation will include some form of practical element where appropriate, and all students are given the opportunity to self and peer-assess their work. Students are set homework each week and this can be in the form of research, design work, practical investigations or presentation work.

Below shows what is covered in each of these projects.

Product Design

Puzzle Box Project

Students design and manufacture a puzzle box made from Plywood. Students learn about different wood joints and have the opportunity to use different saws and machinery for the project. The project usually follows a rainforest animal theme, so students can personalise their box to look like an animal from the rainforest.

Food Technology

Special Dietary

Students learn to create special dietary foods which include: 

• Banana loaf
• Lemon drizzle cake
• Parmesan chicken nuggets
• Spicy rice
• Vegetable samosa

Engineering

Electronics

Students are taught the fundamentals of electronics and are given the opportunity to design and make a circuit. Students will have the ability to use soldering irons and understand how a circuit board works.

Upcycle product

Design and make a passive speaker for a mobile phone using recycled resources. Skills will include drafting a specification, design skills, computer-aided design using 2d design and Canva.

Graphics

Chocolate Project

Students design and make a chocolate bar using the vacuum former, laser cutter and 2D Design. Packaging is also created for their chocolate bar which allows each student to create a brand and understand the importance of packaging.

Assessment

Students have one, double period lesson each week across KS3. Students’ books are also marked every two weeks, and are encouraged to respond to feedback. Each rotation will include some form of practical element where appropriate, and all students are given the opportunity to self and peer-assess their work. Students are set homework each week and this can be in the form of research, design work, practical investigations or presentation work.

 Below shows what is covered in each of these projects.

Product Design

Clock Project

Students design and manufacture a clock using the laser cutter. Students learn about the workings of a laser cutter as well as the properties of materials including Acrylic which is used to make the clock.

Food Technology

Food Design

Students cover staple foods and cook the following dishes: 

• Cheese & Onion Tear and Share
• Pizza
• Chicken Noodles
• Fajitas
• Green Lentil Frittata
• Pasta Bake

Systems & Control

Mechanical Toy

Students design and manufacture a mechanical toy.

CAD

Grand Designs

Create a 3D image of a new house design using Google Sketch up.

Graphics

Pen / USB Project

Students have the opportunity to design and laser cut either a fully functioning Pen or USB.

CD Cover Project

Students create a design for a new CD cover using Photoshop.

Assessment

Students have one, double period lesson each week across KS3. Students’ books are also marked every two weeks and are encouraged to respond to feedback. Each rotation will include some form of practical element where appropriate, and all students are given the opportunity to self and peer-assess their work. Students are set homework each week and this can be in the form of research, design work, practical investigations or presentation work.

At KS4, students have the opportunity to study GCSE Design & Technology. This subject provides students with the opportunity to solve problems through critical design thinking, presented through a series of coursework projects, and for the written exam to test for knowledge of material and processes developed over the two-year programme. This course is designed not only for anyone who intends to pursue a career in the design world, but it gives students the skillset to work with a range of materials and processes. All students will design and make practical solutions to real-life problems. The course provides students with real practical and transferable skills with many degrees and careers in and out of design including engineering, dentistry and graphics.

At GCSE, students will develop creativity (the process of coming up with original ideas that have value), their ability to tolerate uncertainty, work independently and to develop their own ideas.  They will also develop skills relating to analysis and understanding of design, collection and presentation of resources, observations, and ideas, as well as the ability to use various materials, development, and presentation of their design ideas. They will learn about the working properties of a range of materials including (but not limited to) plastics, timbers, metals, smart materials and a range of sustainable alternatives.

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