Subjects
Design Technology
The Subject Way
Firstly, to teach students the vital skills they need to achieve their full potential and gain the very best grades they can. Secondly, to teach students how each subject relates to the wider world, incorporating the life skills they will learn.
It is our belief that knowing how what you learn links to the wider world brings a subject to life and therefore improves overall understanding and engagement.
Why study Design Technology?
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY IS A FULL GCSE COURSE WHERE WOOD, METAL AND PLASTIC ARE USED TO DESIGN AND MAKE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS.
What will I learn about?
- Designing and making a range of
- Graphical communication
- Specific use of machines and hand
- Computer Aided Design and
- Theory based information related to specific materials
- Communicating the design process
How will I be assessed?
Written Exam: 2 hours – 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
This includes a design section; using pre released material which will test designing, making and the knowledge of materials and processes used in the workshop.
NEA non examined assessment coursework 50% of GCSE
What do employers think about the subject?
All employers value a person who is creative and capable of solving problems independently.
Design Technology will encourage you to develop these skills as well as your making skills. Employers value this ‘hands on’
approach to education. By opting for Design Technology you will gain a skill which can be used in a variety of college courses and careers.
What are some of the skills I will need?
- Good drawing
- Analytical
- Competent making
- Problem solving
- Innovative
- A mature, industrious, well behaved approach to working and
- In Y11 you will spend the year designing and making a product in response to a design challenge set by the exam You will send the majority of Y11 completing this project.
What happens in Design Technology lessons?
The course is delivered through a series of projects, which concentrate on different types of wood, metals and plastics. The lessons are theory based at the start of the projects and are mainly centred around specific research related to the area of study.
Once the products have been designed, pupils are then given the opportunity to make their product using all the hand tools and machines available in the Design and Technology Faculty.
Year-by-Year Subject Breakdown
In Year 7 your child will study:
- How to produce a range of ideas using various drawing techniques, 3D isometric, 2D and quick freehand sketching
- How to use 2D Techsoft Design 2D CAD package
- How to generate design iterations using card modelling
- How to use a range of hand tools and machinery to manufacture their product
- How to work safely in a workshop environment
- How to evaluate a product they have designed and manufactured
Your child’s progress will be assessed based on their classwork and summative assessments at the end of each project.
Typical homework your child might get in Year 7 is:
- Research tasks to undertake to find critical information to aid them in the design and manufacture of their products
In Year 8 your child will study:
- How to produce a range of ideas using various drawing techniques, 3D isometric, 2D and quick freehand sketching
- How to use 2D Techsoft Design 2D CAD package
- How to generate design iterations using card modelling
- How to use a range of hand tools and machinery to manufacture their product, building on from what they have learnt in Y7
- How to evaluate a product they have designed and manufactured and suggest modifications
Your child’s progress will be assessed based on their classwork and summative assessments at the end of each project.
Typical homework your child might get in Year 8 is:
- Research tasks to undertake to find critical information to aid them in the design and manufacture of their products
In Year 9 your child will study:
- How to communicate ideas in a professional manner.
- How to interpret technical information to manufacture products.
- How to use Adobe Inventor 3D CAD package.
- Various materials and their properties.
Your child’s progress will be assessed using in-class quizzes and tests, summative assessments at the end of each half term and a cumulative test at the end of the year, which will test everything they have learnt throughout Year 9.
Typical homework your child might get in Year 9 is:
- Students will be expected to produce revision material every week based around what they have learnt lessons. This will be collected before every summative assessment
In Year 10 your child will study:
- How to respond creatively to a brief
- How to programme electronic PICs
- Wider issues relating to design
- Their NEA task
Your child’s progress will be assessed using in-class quizzes and tests, summative assessments at the end of each half term and a mock exam at the end of the year, which will test everything they have learnt throughout Year 10.
Typical homework your child might get in Year 10 is:
- Students will be expected to produce revision material every week based around what they have learnt in lessons. This will be collected before every summative assessment
In Year 11 your child will study:
- Their NEA task
- Revision of topics covered in Y10 in preparation for their final examination
Your child’s progress will be assessed using in-class quizzes and tests, summative assessments at the end of each half term and mock exams at two set points during the year, which will test everything they have learnt throughout Year 11.
Typical homework your child might get in Year 11 is:
- Students will be expected to produce revision material every week based around what they have learnt in lessons. This will be collected before every summative assessment
Find out more
If you would like more information about our curriculum, please contact Mrs Leng, Headteacher using the details on our contact page.
