Design Technology (DT)
AIMS
All Design Technology teachers within the department aim to provide a friendly, safe and well equipped environment that gives all pupils the opportunity to independently create a range of solutions to a broad range of tasks or problems, whilst considering the impact on society and the environment.
● To provide pupils with opportunities and encouragement to use their intellectual and practical skills to solve problems initially by research and analysis, and then by having them go on to develop a range of viable solutions which they may manufacture. Various materials and technologies are employed to further these
aims.
● To enable pupils to test the validity of their solution/s by providing them with the skills to make and evaluate a product.
● To establish an understanding of working materials and systems in a safe manner.
● To establish an understanding of basic technological concepts and their application.
● To develop the ability to communicate, verbally, visually, and by written means, all matters relating to the design/make process.
● To provide the opportunity for knowledge gained to be applied creatively.
● To stimulate and enlarge pupils’ attributes of initiative, ingenuity, resourcefulness, self-involvement, co-operation, patience, sensitivity and commitment.
● To endow pupils with an appreciation of design and a discerning attitude towards manufactured artifacts and quality of work.
CURRICULUM
KS5 follows the AQA Product Design syllabus for their A-Level studies. This is a new specification which began teaching in 2017 and, amongst many topic areas, will test the students’ abilities in understanding:
● Historical, social, cultural and economical influence on design and technology
● Develop practical skills throughout the making of prototypes, including technical drawing skills
● Independent analysis and creative thinking, including
● Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities
● Technical principles including, material properties, scales of production and manufacturing techniques
Year 12
During the year 12 study the students begin to work through the syllabus in relation to theory, which is split between two examination papers. During this time students will begin to develop a deeper understanding of all topics covered in the syllabus, with examination practice and assessment points throughout the year. As well as theory topics the students undergo a range of practical activities which aim to take them through each assessment objective for their NEA assessment, allowing major development opportunities. The students move onto their Live NEA coursework during the trinity term.
Year 13
Students continue with their NEA assessment by working through individual targets to fulfill the assessment criteria set by the AQA exam board. Each student will undergo a personal project and therefore will be working on different end prototypes. As well as working on their NEA which equates to 50% of their final A-Level grade, the students will continue to revise for their examination, and we do this through a range of revision and examination practice.
FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
There are two workshops, comprehensively equipped with both hand and machine tools. We cater for a full range of resistant materials. (Benches are of the multi-media type, each having a least two vices and a set of woodworking tools).
The machine room with two circular saws, a dimension saw, an under & over planing machine, a band saw and a morticer is used to prepare materials for pupil projects.
There is also an IT room with 16 computers. In addition there is an A3 scanner, graphics tablet, A3 printer and a 3D printer linked to the school network. The computers are used for 2D and 3D design work as well as for research tasks. Next to the drawing office is a CAM laser cutting machine this is used to realise design ideas for certain products. It is an excellent resource and is extremely popular with pupils. A Departmental Library is also available, with a wide range of books to help pupils further their research.
TRIPS AND VISITS
The department has organised successful trips & visits to:- BAE Systems (Samlesbury), Leyland Trucks and the V&A London, with plans to extend the opportunities to visit the New Designers Exhibition in London starting with the show in 2022.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
The department enters teams into the annual ‘Rotary Club Technology Tournament’. Our intermediate team are currently the holders of the trophy. We have been Senior champions on a number of occasions in recent years too. Upcycling club, DT clubs and DT clinics that take place weekly during lunchtimes and
after school. Workshops are made available, for either extended work or individual projects, at lunchtimes on request.
The workshops are also open on Mondays after school (3.50-5.15pm).
For more information please contact:
Miss L Watson
Subject Leader Design and Technology
