Design and Technology

Our Intent

To stimulate and/or maintain student interest, enjoyment, curiosity and concern about technological aspects of their environment, both local and otherwise in Design Technology.

To enable students to be familiar with a relevant body of knowledge skills, principles and vocabulary, e.g. students should become competent and confident in:
• conceiving, designing and producing a range of technological products ‘of good quality’ by employing a range of design strategies to avoid design fixation.
• evaluating and improving upon their own technological products and those designed by others.

To enable students to perceive Design Technology as:
• a major cultural feature
• part of a wider body of knowledge and skills, e.g. to be able to work both independently and co-operatively.

We aim to develop learners who are:
• positive, enthusiastic and creative
• resilient, independent and ambitious
• confident and cooperative communicators
• kind and respectful of each other

To develop an awareness in students of:
• the implications of Design and Technology (past and present) for the individual and the local, national and international communities.
• Students should understand the role of Design and Technology as a critical factor in human, social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being and development.
• The significance of Design and Technology and to value it as an important pleasurable and fundamental realm of human experience.
• Some of the effects, beneficial or detrimental, that technology has had or may have on human society and the environment.

To ensure that pupils become digitally literate – able to use and express themselves and develop their ideas.

KS3 Structure

KS4 Structure

The specification document for this course can be found below:
KS4 Design & Technology Specification
KS4 Engineering Specification

KS5 Content: Courses

EDEXCEL A LEVEL DT: PRODUCT DESIGN

This course is a traditional A level course recognised by UCAS as suitable entry for university applicants, particularly in areas of Design or Engineering. The course is structured so it links with the GCSE courses studied and the department has assessment contacts for the coursework in the department.

COURSE STRUCTURE

• The course consists of 2 units; exam 50% and coursework 50%
• The examination unit focuses on a clearly defined section of knowledge that links to the use of materials and processing of materials in design, as well as commercial aspects of design and manufacturing. Design is taught as well as key historical design styles.
• All coursework units are assessed internally and externally moderated and students are expected to work alongside a client or user of the problem being undertaken. Students will design and make a prototype, presenting design work in portfolio.

YEAR 1/YEAR 12
Students are taught;

• Communication skills for designing
• Theoretical knowledge about materials and processes
• Design theory, this also includes the application of design skills though projects such as architecture, advertising and concept modelling.
• Making more advanced products. Students undertake the manufacture of products they have designed. This may involve modelling or more robust manufacturing processes.

YEAR 2/ YEAR 13
The course focuses on the undertaking of the key coursework element – the chosen design project. Students will choose a problem to study ibn May of year 12 and undertake the design of a solution to the problem during the next 12 months. This assessment utilises skills learnt across all units and is seen as a summative assessment module. Students will explore design alternatives, apply technical knowledge learnt in Yr 12 and 13, and prepare to manufacture a prototype. The focus of the design can be anything from architecture to furniture, interior to concept modelling and packaging.

The examination focus in Yr 13 is for the advanced level theory, focusing on commercial manufacturing, advanced level processing and modern/smart materials. There is a significant module of study for the history of design and a study of ergonomics and anthropometrics. Students also study how the effects of design can be reflected in our changing environment and the need for designers to understand the importance of sustainability.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You would benefit from having one or more of the following:

• Five GCSEs at grade 9-5
• A DT or Art GCSE at grade 6+
• An interest in design and manufacture

FEATURES OF THE COURSE

• Specifically, for students interested in developing design and problem solving skills
• Taught by experienced specialist teachers
• Can be taken with two of three other A Levels
• Use of well-equipped workshops and facilities
• Work individually and as part of a team
• Develop excellent design and CAD skills
• Encouragement to manage your own learning

ASSESSMENT

This is a two year course and there is a 6 grade scale: 9 - 1

The course has one externally assessed examination, sat in June of Yr 13 and a coursework unit, internally assessed and externally moderated.

OCR A LEVEL ENGINEERING

The course is designed to encourage iterative thinking and design solutions to Engineering problems. Students will develop skills in applying technical knowledge of electronics, pneumatics, structures and mechanics to practical situations. The course could lead to various Engineering career options as well as university or college courses.

COURSE STRUCTURE

• The course has two externally assessed examination and one internally assessed piece of coursework.
• Exams test students’ knowledge of engineering principles and problem solving skills.
• The coursework unit is the designing of a solution to a substantial engineering problem. This is presented in an electronic file and should document the decisions making process and experimentation that ha taken place in the development of an iterative solution to a problem, that is often largely electronic/mechanical.

YEAR 1/ YR 12
Students are taught;

• Communication skills for designing including CAD
• Theoretical knowledge about mechanisms, forces, electronics, materials and processes
• Interface design and programming
• Practical project incorporating electronic and mechanical components.
• Design theory, this also includes the application of design skills though project work
• Commercial processes

YEAR 2/ YR 13
The course focuses on the undertaking of the substantial coursework element. Students identify a design opportunity or problem from a context of their own choice and create a portfolio of evidence in real time through the project to demonstrate their competence. Students will choose a problem to study in May of Year 12 and undertake the design of a solution to the problem during the next 12 months. This assessment utilises skills learnt across all units and is seen as a summative assessment module. Students will explore design alternatives, apply technical knowledge learnt in Year 12 and 13, and prepare to manufacture a prototype. Students adopt an iterative approach to their work where ideas are explored, created and evaluated until a final solution is realised.
The examination focus in Yr 13 is for the advanced level theory, focusing on commercial manufacturing, quality assurance and engineering design in context. There is a significant module of study covering Engineering history and disruptive technologies. Students also study how the effects of design can be reflected in our changing environment and the need for designers to understand the importance of sustainability.
Throughout the course students are expected to apply Mathematical and Science knowledge and formulae to solve problems. 25% of the exam questions will have a mathematics content. Maths for Engineering is taught as a separate lesson in Yr 13 by a member of the Maths Department.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You would benefit from having one or more of the following:

• Five GCSEs at grade 9 - 5
• A grade 6 or above in mathematics
• An interest in DT and using technical knowledge to solve problems.
• Studying Maths and or Physics at A level

FEATURES OF THE COURSE

• Specifically for students interested in engineering or a future in engineering
• Can be taken with two other A Levels
• Use of well-equipped workshop facilities
• Work individually and as part of a team
• Develop excellent ACD skills
• Experienced specialist staff to teach course, including advanced Maths input.

ASSESSMENT

This is a two-year course and there is a 6 grade scale: 9 - 1

The course has two externally assessed examination, sat in June of Year 13 and a coursework unit, internally assessed and externally moderated.

Extra Curricular Activities and Clubs

We encourage all students to participate in the extra-curricular programme we offer. Our clubs and activities are designed to be inclusive for all; the broad range on offer ensures that there is something for students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get involved with. We regularly review our offer to meet the ever-changing needs of our students.

The extra-curriculum clubs and activities for the current (and previous) academic term can be found by visiting the link below.

Extra-Curricular Clubs & Activities

Career Pathways

Our GCSE DT and Cambridge National Engineering course open opportunities to further study at Advanced level or to access apprenticeship opportunities in vocational areas including; Construction, Engineering, Electrical and Mechanical.

Our A Level students have successfully gained access to advanced apprenticeships such as; in engineering and Graphic design. They have also regularly obtained places at prestigious universities in courses such as; Architecture, Engineering, civil engineering, Industrial design, Product design, interior design and Theatre set design. Many students going on to have successful careers in their fields of study around the world