Curriculum

Design Technology

Design Technology enables pupils to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design and by working with different resources, materials, and tools. As a result, pupils gain technical and design awareness, and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity.

Design Technology is in ever more demand in today’s 21st century, where practical skills are highly valued, and many individuals choose to run their own businesses and create their own products.

Studying this subject, in its unique and differential ways, allows for pupils to apply general knowledge and turn everyday activities into useful learning strategies.

How will I study Design Technology? 

Pupils study Design Technology through project-based tasks. The curriculum teaches pupils to think creatively, and it encourages them to solve problems in innovative ways. They will use an iterative design process, in textiles, food and design technology. They will learn how electronic systems work and how to manufacture products that meet the needs of others. They will analyse and engage with existing materials and equipment including 3D printers, sewing machines and kitchenware. Pupils will utilise CAD/CAM technology and learn how they could apply their understanding in various situations. They will demonstrate their skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. Pupils will learn how to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve real-world problems in an exciting and engaging way. Ultimately, pupils become confident, competent, and creative designers who can think critically within a range of contexts.

What will I study at Key Stage 3? 

Pupils will analyse and explore existing products to develop their creative thinking and design skills. They will work to design briefs in all areas of Design Technology and develop products that address the needs of others.

During Year 7, within textiles, they will learn to use hand sewing equipment and learn how fabrics and fibres are constructed. They will look at existing products and use them to influence the design and making of a fabric postcard.  In food, they will learn to build an understanding of healthy eating, temperatures, food storage and seasonality they will develop their skills in food preparation and cooking. Their final project in year 7 will look at different material areas to develop a wind powered product.

During Year 8, pupils will design and make a nightlight made from fabric that they have designed and created themselves and has smart materials incorporated into it. They will be introduced to basic E-textiles something that they will develop towards the end of year 8 in a separate project. They will learn about different fabric construction methods while developing their nightlight.

In food they will be introduced to cuisines of the world and will build a repertoire of skills while investigating and creating different world cuisines. They will investigate different careers that link to the food industry.

During Year 9, pupils look at social, environmental and economical challenges that designers have to face. Pupils will look at existing products that focus on upcycling and the methods of production that are incorporated into these products. They will investigate techniques that could be used to create ‘upcycled’ products. They will create their own sustainable textiles-based product. Following the design process.

In food, cooking and nutrition pupils will learn about the function of ingredients with a focus on food science. They will create a range of dishes that incorporate, different elements of food science.  They will finally develop skills in CAD and CAM across different material areas.

What will I study at Key Stage 4? 

At KS4, pupils can choose to study Textile Design as part of the Design and Technology curriculum. The knowledge and skills that have been acquired during Design Technology provide a strong foundation for this qualification.

The pupils will study for a GCSE in Design and Technology- and will specialise in textiles.

They will build knowledge and understanding of all the core content which covers all area of Design and technology

  • New and emerging technologies
  • Informing design contexts
  • Energy, materials, devices, and systems
  • Material types, properties, and structure
  • Designing principles

They will also study Textiles linking to

  • Sources, origins, and sustainability
  • Physical and working properties
  • Selection of materials
  • Stock forms, planning and production methods
  • Materials processing
  • Surface treatments and finishing

These will be taught in range of ways some more theory and academically while others will be taught through practical tasks. During the spring and summer term pupils will embark on a mini practice NEA to develop and deepen their knowledge and understanding of a range of topics but also to develop their skills in the elements of the design and make processes.

The NEA title will be released and introduced during Summer Two of year 10.
During year 11 the NEA will be completed along with further exam theory and practice.

Assessment

GCSE Texttile Design

Overview Focus

Component 1: written examination 50% 

1hour 45 minute exam 

Section A: Core This section is 40 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-response, graphical, calculation and extended-open-response questions. There will be 10 marks of calculation questions in Section A. Section B: Material categories: textiles This section is 60 marks and contains a mixture of different question styles, including open-response, graphical, calculation and extended-open-response questions. There will be 5 marks of calculation questions in Section B.  

 

Overview Focus
Component 2: NEA- contextual challenge 50% 

There are four parts to the assessment:  

1 – Investigate This includes investigation of needs and research, and a product specification 

 2 – Design This includes producing different design ideas, review of initial ideas, development of design ideas into a chosen design, communication of design ideas and review of the chosen design 

 3 – Make This includes manufacture, and quality and accuracy 

 4 – Evaluate This includes testing and evaluation 

Enrichment

The faculty offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s facilities as well as specialist design resources. Pupils are also able to develop their curiosity with a weekly cooking club, during lunchtimes, where they can learn to prepare various healthy dishes.

Careers

The study of Design Technology in resistant materials, food and textiles can lead to future study and professions such as Software Game Developer, Chef, Nutritional Therapist, Art Curator, Graphic Designer and all areas of Engineering.

Useful resources and revision support