Design Technology

DT education makes a unique and valuable contribution to the education and preparation for students’ future lives for work and/or leisure. We aim to ensure that our students achieve the best possible experiences in DT, to become lifelong learners sharing the same joy of the subject that their teachers have.

At key stage 3 all students study Design and Technology on a rotation system. The focus of each area is predominantly on practical work, teaching students the practical skills they need to be able to produce a wide range of products. In addition to the practical skills, students are taught key knowledge and skills. Numeracy and literacy play a key part in the delivery of the DT curriculum.

In each year there is a wide range of materials and equipment used and the scheme of work is progressive, so that students are then stretched and challenged with the skills they learn in the previous year in addition to learning more advanced skills and techniques in the current year.

The scheme of learning progresses from making items for themselves onto making items for others and then specific clients and groups in society.

Food Technology – Curriculum Map

Product Design / 3D Design – Curriculum Map

Graphic Design – Curriculum Map

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 we follow the National Curriculum for Design and Technology.

Year 7

During Year 7, pupils will explore a rotation of Food, 3D Design, Engineering, Textiles and Graphic Design.

Food

Healthy eating is important in modern day life and so the idea of a balanced diet is explored with all students. They will be taught how to prepare simple meals on a budget and key nutritional fact, e.g. how much sugar really goes into those soft drinks.

3D Design

Students will explore a range of technical skills in design and manufacture. Students will work to a given brief creating sketches to develop their ideas whilst also creating a specification that will be encouraged through classroom discussion and brainstorming. Students will explore the workshop, tools and equipment through the completion of the skills square. The skills square will allow students to practice techniques with tools and machines which will be utilised when constructing their product when in 3D Design.

During manufacture, students will use a range of tools to shape, form and finish a simple bird box design. Students will understand the need for precision and accuracy and therefore will be able to use machine tools; pillar drill and the belt sander to create a successful finish.

Textiles

Students will develop an understanding of fibres, yarns and fabrics and how they work together. Focusing on the woven fabrics and experimenting with the types of weaves in both paper and yarns. Research a British designers to inspire own ideas and work – develop, sketches and building/constructing weave skills.

Graphic Design

Students will be introduced to Graphic Design in one project which will explore the fundamental elements of Graphic Design.

Name as image: A creative project that explores students own likes and personality. Students will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of Graphic Design and how this can influence their ideas whilst looking at the work and ideas of Ji Lee.

Year 8

During Year 8, pupils will explore a rotation of Food, 3D Design, Engineering, Textiles and Graphic Design.

Food

An understanding of food safety is taught. Knowledge about how bacteria grow, and the prevention of this using temperature control and food hygiene is explored practically. The functions of different ingredients in a variety of dishes is addressed and this understanding leads to practical outcomes of a higher standard. The students will be moving towards demonstrating their practical skills independently.

3D Design

Through a skill-based project, students refine their skills in the workshop using a range of tools and machines to create a Knot Puzzle. The puzzle will allow the students to explore and understand the differences between hardwoods and softwoods.

Students will use research and exploration to identify and understand user’s needs. Students will also identify and solve their own design problems and develop specifications to inform their processes.

During the process of making; students will select specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery which enable them to create a functioning product. Students will lastly test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against their specification, considering the views of the intended users.

Engineering

Through a skill-based project, students refine their skills in the workshop using a range of tools and machines to create a Chinese Know Puzzle. The puzzle will allow the students to explore and understand the differences between hardwoods and softwoods.

Textiles

Students learn and develop hand sewing techniques. These techniques will be used to construct a keyring which has been inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory.

Graphic Design

Students will explore a packaging project looking closely at the work of Tom Whalen. Students will further develop their fundamental elements of graphic design and learn ways to entice an audience to project.

Year 9

Food

During year 9 students develop their practical skills, for example butchery, sauce making and other complex processes. They use sensory analysis and knowledge of the functions of ingredients to develop their practical understanding. Research into different commodities is undertaken and the nutritional needs of different groups of people is taught. Knowledge of nutritional, cultural and seasonal factors allows student to understand the choices available.

Enginerring

Students partake of a foundation year studying a broad range of practical and theory tasks covering the fundamental skills required to work in industry. We cover hand and machine tools skills, health and safety in workshop and workplace environments, and computer aided design and manufacture.

3D Design

3D Design during year 9 is about experimentation. Students will explore a variety of materials and media that will build students confidence.

Metal Structures is a fun project that allows students to observe the work of Justin Gershenson-Gates, Klyle Bean and Kate Kato whilst allowing students to develop an understanding of metals and how metals can be used to create a product.

Textiles

Students learn and develop hand sewing techniques. These techniques will be used to construct a keyring which has been inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory.

Graphic Design

During year 9, students will explore a project which draws inspiration from the work of Loui Jover. Students will use the work of Loui Jover to inspire their own campaign poster.  Year 9 will focus on developing confident and competent learners in Graphic design.

Key Stage 4

Our curriculum in years 10 and 11 reflects the interests of students. They study their chosen option for 2 hours a week in years 10 and 11.

Below are the courses we currently deliver within the department with a link to the exam specification.

3D Design

Student’s work will be Assessed through two Components.

In Component 1 (Coursework 60%) students will research and investigate sources of ideas in Art, Craft & Design. They will explore and use Art, Craft & Design material and techniques to develop visual language. Students will complete a portfolio or sketchbook demonstrating their creative journey. This should be evidence of the process of developing both ideas and work. It should demonstrate research, supporting studies and work, showing the development of their ideas, leading to finished pieces.

Structures  – During this project pupils will explore the work of Wyndham Lewis and Denys Lasdun. Students will have the opportunity to visit Liverpool to allow them to gather photographs that will aid their development. With these photographs, students will experiment, explore and develop a variety of responses in 2D and 3D. All experiments will lead to a final 3D outcome.

Art Deco light – Students will respond to a brief for a Art Deco light, looking at the movement Art Deco and the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Students will then research, develop and refine in a variety of materials, media and techniques before creating their final outcome.

In Component 2 (Exam 40%), the exam board provides students with a theme for their exam. Students are given a number of weeks to develop ideas and prepare. Students sit a 10-hour exam in Year 11 in which they produce their final outcome.

Graphic Design

Students work will be assessed through two Components.

In Component 1 (Coursework 60%) students will research and investigate sources of ideas in Art, Craft & Design. They will explore and use Art, Craft & Design material and techniques to develop visual language. Students will complete a portfolio or sketchbook demonstrating their creative journey. This should be evidence of the process of developing both ideas and work. It should demonstrate research, supporting studies and work, showing the development of their ideas, leading to finished pieces.

Music Festivals – Students will be set a brief from a Music Festival company to create the branding for an up and coming Festival in Liverpool in the summer. Students will take photographs that relate to the project and then develop their brand promotion through logo design, poster and merchandise.

Messages – Students will select their own message to promote; for example, road safety or stay safe online. Students will then gather their own photography before experimenting with materials, Photoshop and media

In Component 2 (Exam 40%), the exam board provides students with a theme for their exam. Students are given a number of weeks to develop ideas and prepare. Students sit a 10-hour exam in Year 11 in which they produce their final outcome.

Hair and Beauty

The VTCT Level 1/2 Technical Award in the Study of Hair and Beauty is aimed at learners aged 14-16 who have an interest in developing a broad understanding of the hairdressing and beauty therapy sector and related industries, including retail, leisure, manufacturing and other personal care services.

This qualification is designed to use the context of hairdressing and beauty therapy as a vehicle to support learners to develop broad and comprehensive understanding of the sector and related industries but, more importantly, of core academic knowledge and study skills that will support progression into post-16 and higher education.

The content of the qualification is designed to engage learners through the context of hair and beauty due to its popularity and aspirational career pathways.

This qualification consists of three mandatory units.

• UCO90 – Business and entrepreneurship in the hair and beauty sector

• UCO91 – Anatomy, physiology and cosmetic science

• UCO92 – Design in the hair and beauty sector

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Engineering

Year 10

https://www.wjec.co.uk/

Unit 1 provides learners with the opportunity to interpret different types of engineering information in order to plan how to manufacture engineering products. Learners will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in using a range of engineering tools and equipment in order to manufacture and test an end product

Year 11

Food and Nutrition

Students undertake the WEJC Technical award in Hospitality and Catering. The course consists of 2 units. Unit 1 The Hospitality and catering industry and unit 2 Hospitality and catering in action.

During year 10 unit one is taught with a written external examination take in June. This unit allows students to understand how the industry and provisions operate, how the industry meets health and safety requirements and know how food can cause ill health.

Unit 2 is completed during year 11 and looks at nutrition and planning meals, menu planning and practical skills. This unit is assessed through a controlled assessment / NEA set by the exam board. Students also have another chance to retake the unit 1 external examination in the June of year