Welcome to Design Technology
Design, Technology Department
Design, Technology encourages students to take risks and guide the innovation process through research and development, manufacturing and evaluation. It enables students to realise and recognise the implications of technologies in an ever-advancing world; gaining awareness and learning from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors through real life scenarios with authentic learning opportunities.
Design & Technology
In Design & Technology students are prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world; gaining awareness and learning from wider influences on DT including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students also get the opportunity to work creatively when researching, designing, developing, problem solving, making and evaluating whilst applying technical and practical expertise.
At KS3, all students study DT which combines technical understanding and knowledge, practical skills and the understanding of a wide range of manufacturing processes including manual and automated. Students learn about the importance of making a positive impact on society by recognising clear links to a range of career opportunities within the field of DT; gaining knowledge and understanding of current industry practices, for example, specialist 2D and 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software currently used within industry.
Your son can develop his skills and knowledge of using software by downloading and practicing Solidworks and Techsoft V3 at home where possible. Licence keys can be obtained from the department teachers.
DT is also an integral part of the STEM provision across the Federation.
GCSE Design and Technology is a very popular option and uses the AQA exam board.
Food & Nutrition
Food and Nutrition is studied by all students in KS3; they learn about a range of different types of foods, cooking and preparation techniques. The practical cooking skills allow students to develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials.
Students also develop their ability to work in a clean manner and ensure practices are followed to prevent cross-contamination, for example the safe storage of food items and cleaning equipment and surfaces thoroughly after use with the correct cleaning materials.
With a key focus on nutrition, students enhance their understanding of different types of foods and the effects they can have on short term and long-term health.
Food preparation skills are covered across five core areas:
- Food, nutrition and health
- Food science
- Food safety
- Food choice
- Food provenance
The Food and Nutrition option uses the GCSE specification by AQA is assessed in the following way:
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition- is made up of a 2 hour exam at the end of Year 11 and NEA which are weighted at 60% and 40% respectively.
Design Technology Curriculum Documents