Design Technology is a foundation subject, which forms part of the curriculum of all students at KS3 and the majority of students at KS4.

At KS3 students are taught in mixed ability groups and have two hours per fortnight of Resistant Materials, Food and Textiles.

In Years 7, 8 and 9 the Scheme of Work is presented in modules which include Focussed Practical Tasks and Design and Make Assessments.

 

Each module of work is designed to emphasise specific aspects of the programmes of study. Students will be asked to design and make products, which investigate the properties and working characteristics of compliant materials such as Food and Textiles and Resistant Materials such as wood, metals and plastics. They will also investigate how structures are built to withstand forces, how mechanisms are used to transmit and control movement and how electrical and electronic components can be assembled to produce systems which respond to inputs.
Information Technology is used as an integral part of the work of this subject.

Students will also use CAD packages to enhance their understanding, presentation and manufacture. They will have the opportunity to learn how computers can be programmed to control models or simulations.

At KS4, students can opt to specialise in one of the following areas:

• GCSE Resistant Materials,
• Food Technology
• Textiles
• Graphics (Edexcel),
• GCSE Child Development (OCR)
• BTEC Hospitality and Catering or BTEC Construction Level 2 First Diploma (Edexcel).  

This range of options means that students can choose a G.C.S.E. Technology course, which best matches their aptitude and interests.

KEY STAGE 5 Curriculum
At KS5 students can choose to study A Level Product Design (OCR) or Hospitality & Catering, Health & Social Care or Engineering all at BTEC National Level 3