Design and Technology

At Key Stage 3, the students study Design and Technology on a rotation.

Design and Technology is the subject that most readily combines the topics taught in other curriculum areas. It is no longer solely in the realm of the practical areas but firmly addresses the key skill issues that face us at the beginning of the twenty-first century.

Britain's economic prospects are based on high value sectors such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, design and the creative industries. They are areas where Britain is still highly competitive and Design and Technology plays a key role in providing the skills needed to maintain this level. The subject inspires students to follow careers in these fields - the careers of the 21st Century.

In Design & Technology we encourage students to combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make real and useful products and systems that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They are taught how to think creatively, work collaboratively and use their design thinking to improve the quality of life. Our students learn how to solve problems as individuals and as members of a team by working in stimulating contexts that provide a range of opportunities and draw on the local ethos, community and wider world. They develop their own self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence as they work independently and collaboratively in generating ideas and solutions for real world problems in real life scenarios at a variety of social and economics levels; our students, through their work will gain an understanding of their role as a global citizen and factor in the environmental and social impact that their product based solutions will make. They create products and systems and challenge expectation where appropriate by combining both practical and intellectual skills with an understanding of a variety of other external and emotional factors.

We aim to:

• Foster an interest and enjoyment in the understanding and use of Design & Technology
• Stimulate each student's curiosity about the world around her/him and about everyday objects, how they are made and function
• Encourage students to confront and discuss design and technological issues - both new and existing - as well as to consider ethical, moral and environmental aspects
• Equip students to be confident citizens in an increasingly technological world and look to the future with creativity and innovation
• Develop confidence in practical and problem-solving activities with real life contexts
• Develop an enterprising attitude and to take risks where appropriate
• See opportunities and make things happen
• Provide a sound basis for further technological study and entry to Design & Technology based professions

Currently at GCSE we offer the following qualification:

Design Technology G.C.S.E. AQA Art and Design 3 Dimensional

With two components, comprising a ‘Portfolio’ selected from the course of study worth 60% of the overall GCSE grade and an ‘Externally set assignment’, worth 40% of the GCSE grade. The specification provides students with a range of creative, exciting and stimulating opportunities to develop and explore their personal interests and allows for progression from Key Stage 3 whilst providing a strong foundation for further study at AS and A-level as well as vocational pathways.

If you have any queries regarding our Curriculum please contact us.