Design and Technology

At all levels, pupils are encouraged to create high quality products with a ‘design and make’ ethos. This is achieved by nurturing creativity, talent and innovation in pupils. Values and attitudes in Design and Technology prevalent throughout the ‘Made World’ are also explored.

Years 4 to 8 develop their knowledge and skills through project based tasks. For example, Year 4 study design which includes making ‘moving pictures’. Year 5 design and make a ‘model house’ using construction techniques.Year 6 design and make ‘picture frames’, sliders, and ‘winding-up’ models/pulley systems. Groups are split at this stage between Systems Technology and a Graphic based technology course.

Year 7 investigate and make mechanical toys based on the theme of ‘automata’/mechanisms. Year 8 design and make ‘musical instruments’ involving the use of construction techniques. During Year 9 pupils begin the ‘Induction Course’ for the Graphic Products GCSE syllabus. Again, the timetable is split between Graphics and Systems Technology, half an academic year in each section.

Year 9 work on a ‘packaging’ project, to give them a taste of the content involved at this level.  Industrial processes such as vacuum moulding, CAD/ CAM work and further IT skills/knowledge are included in the exercise.

The GCSE Graphics Products is a core subject within the Design Technology portfolio and is an ideal stepping stone to further study at ‘AS’ and ‘A’ level D&T.
The course starts in Year 10 and concludes with the AQA GCSE examination during the summer term in Year 11.
Coursework and final examination make up 60% and 40% respectively. More details can be found on the Option Blocks webpage