Design And Technology Curriculum KS3

Overview

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. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Year 7

An introductory year where the students work on a carousel between Design Technology and Food.

Here they will gain a sound base knowledge in the different subject areas within D&T such as 3D Product Design, Graphics and Textiles and learn key skills that they can build on and develop in the coming years. Students will learn how to safely work in the workshop and be taught how to design prototypes, learn how to develop design ideas and assess their own work through an evaluative and iterative design process.

Students will also learn basic graphic design skills such as isometric (3D) drawing, perspective drawing and shading techniques. They will also complete a graphic design project that will focus on developing 3D card models and branding.

In Food year 7 students will learn basic nutrition linked to 'The Eatwell Guide' and specific government guidelines to ensure an understanding of a healthy diet and lifestyle. They will be taught the benefits of sourcing local ingredients and eating the seasons.

Alongside this, students will be taught a variety of food preparation skills using basic equipment, methods of cooking, weighing and measuring considering hygiene and safety hazards throughout.

Year 8

Developing on the skills gained in Year 7 the students will work on longer, more detailed and rigorous projects. This will push and challenge the pupils in the subject; it will also give them a better understanding of what would be expected of them if they were to choose Design & Technology at GCSE.

In Design & Technology they will design and develop prototypes and a design solution based upon a range of domestic and local contexts such as health, leisure or culture and also industrial contexts such as engineering or manufacturing. Aiming always to be at the cutting edge of technology, the students will also develop skills in using Computer Aided Design and Manufacture by developing design ideas on software such as 2D Design and Photoshop and using equipment such as the laser cutter and CNC machine to realise ideas based around Graphics, 3D Product Design and Textiles based projects.

In Food year 8 students further develop their knowledge of the Eatwell guide and learn about the nutritional needs of different life stages whilst recognising nutritional value and making food healthier. Students will recognise the reasons for food choices and the possible hazards when working with food.

Year 9

The students will spend their time in rotation, building up key skills and concepts to take into their non-exam assessment in years 10 & 11. They will work in the design studio as well as the workshop, to develop projects which will include designing and developing prototypes in Textiles, Graphics and 3D Product Design.

This will allow the students to focus on an area more specifically in years 10 and 11. In Year 9 Food, students undertake a project that enables them to look further into food provenance by learning about food from different countries, cultures, and religions allowing them to make informed decisions when catering for individual needs.

They will further develop their practical skills and techniques using a wide range of equipment and methods of cooking to enable them to make informed decisions when planning a menu.

Key contact

Mr K Sawkill / Ms E Massey