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Design and Technology
“Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless.” Thomas Edison
“Technology made large populations possible; large populations now make technology indispensable.” Joseph Wood Krutch
“It’s supposed to be automatic, but actually you have to push this button.” John Brunner
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils will design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Pupils will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, you 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 wellbeing of the nation.
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.
The new GCSE places greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
Key Stage 3
Pupils will experience a wide range of projects, working with a variety of materials, processes and equipment. During the ‘design process’, pupils will be able to develop and use the following skills:
Pupils will work towards a design brief and produce a creative outcome using their knowledge, skills and understanding. The design and make challenge will give pupils the experience of solving a real problem. The use of ICT is promoted through research and development.
Key Stage 4
“I have learned a lot about the working properties of materials which has helped me in my other subjects like Science and Mathematics”. Lauren - Year 9.
Year 9:
Pupils continue to develop their skills in Design and Technology, they will have the opportunity to work on a timber, plastic, metal and paper project, which will be supported with theory. Towards the end of the year, pupils will have the opportunity to develop their own project and produce a final outcome. This will help prepare the pupils for the NEA task set in their final year. The use of ICT is promoted through research and development, with the opportunity of using Sketch Up and 2D Design.
Pupils will progress to study AQA GCSE Design and Technology where they will study:
The course is assessed through a Non-examined Assessment project, a single design and make task. This will contribute to 50% of the GCSE, with a written paper making up the final mark.
AQA GCSE (9-1) Design & Technology from Sept 2017
Spec code: 8552
QAN: 603/0984/2
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552
Key Stage 5:
“I am looking forward to learning in more depth about the manufacturing processes and the materials that are used in modern day items”. Matt - Year 12.
Year AQA A-Level: Design & Technology: Product Design (7552) from Sept 2017
Spec code: 7552
QAN: 603/1133/2
Please see the specification and the topics covered by using the following link
Useful web links or books:
GCSE:
AQA GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology: M.J. Ross: PG Online: ISBN: 978-1-910523-10-0
Engineering GCSE Neil Godfrey and Steve Wallis: Nelson Thornes: ISBN 0-7487-8551-5
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552
GCE: