Welcome to Design & Technology
Curriculum area intent & rationale/department introduction
Design and Technology is a unique subject which brings together knowledge and understanding from a wide range of curriculum areas.
At the heart of our subject area is Designing and Making. We provide our students with opportunities to Design and Make using paper, card and textiles. Students are challenged to work on tasks which build in complexity, as they progress through the Key Stages, using knowledge and skills to Design and Make high quality products.
Students will design within a range of contexts, using different types of inspirational material as a starting point. We believe it is important to aim for high quality practical outcomes as this provides pupils with the satisfaction of making a product. However, whilst we always aim for high quality practical work, we also warn against perfection, and encourage students to take risks and try things out. We aim to create an environment where it is better to try and fail, than to not try at all, where if something does not work the first time it is not the end of the world!
We want all of our students to have a real pride in their work and to strive to do their best, to compete only with themselves and to recognise that creativity comes in many different forms.
By the end of Key Stage Three pupils will be able to work within constraints, make their own decisions and choices confidently, and know how to solve problems. They will also have a range of practical skills which they can use to go on to study GCSE, or to use in life. Students will have increased their manual dexterity, and fine motor skills. We also aim to ensure pupils are informed consumers.
Aims and values of the department
Our aims are to ensure that all students:
- Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
- Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
- Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
- Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.
Where next? Links to careers
As well as design and manufacturing skills, transferable skills such as project management, time management and working with others are key features of this course. Universities and employers value the project focus and team working aspects of this subject, and this course would be of particular value to students considering future careers in Designing, the Textiles Industry, Marketing, and Engineering.
Suggested reading/curriculum enhancement
Trips & visits
Information coming soon.
Department staffing
-
Mrs E Goulbourne - Subject Leader
-
Mrs S Dunn - Subject Teacher
-
Mrs S White - Technical Support
How can parents help?
Show an interest in your daughter’s work and ask them questions about it. Provide them with opportunities to cook family meals with you at home.