Welcome to Design Technology & Engineering
Design, Technology & Engineering Department
Design, Technology & Engineering 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. Below are details on how the course is assessed (please note for the 2021 series the ‘making’ of a (final product) section has been removed, however prototypes will still be made)
Engineering
Engineering enables students to experience authentic problem solving; it is an increasingly innovative area where students are able to solve problems that require creativity in triangulation with key maths and science knowledge and understanding. It introduces students to a host of new technologies and, helping them to gain practical skills and understanding to inspire students to pursue a career within the vast range of engineering fields.
All students at KS3 study Engineering; whilst a wide range of Engineering key skills and knowledge are covered there is a particular focus on Mechanical, Systems, Electrical and Electronic Engineering which consist of a range of transferrable skills and knowledge that can be used in other Engineering disciplines.
Engineering is a very popular intended career path of our students as it allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in different contexts, including through the use of a range of tools, equipment, materials, components and manufacturing processes. Through this, students are able to make decisions on products, materials and systems based on sound knowledge of mathematical and scientific technical principles to establish a STEM mind-set.
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.
Engineering is also an integral part of the STEM provision across the Federation
GCSE Engineering will be an upcoming option at KS4 and will used the AQA GCSE Engineering Specification. Below are details on how the course is assessed.
GCSE Engineering- is made up of a 2 hour exam at the end of Year 11 and NEA which are weighted at 60% and 40% respectively
Food & Nutrition
Food and Nutrition is studied by the 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 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
STEM
Having recently introduced STEM Education within our schools we have already been recognised for the provision we are providing by STEM Learning. At Madani Schools Federation we are committed to ensuring all students have the best possible experience across STEM subjects, inspiring them to develop high levels of skills in Science, Design Technology, Engineering and Maths enabling them to contribute towards the prosperity, stability and growth of the UK’s economy in the future.
STEM Education within our schools not only intends to develop the subject knowledge of students within STEM subjects but also a range of skill-sets including: adaptability, creative problem solving, problem finding, systems thinking, visualising and improving. These are vital skills for students to develop as they are required for many careers. The STEM subjects have many natural overlaps and therefore much of the subject knowledge is enhanced and consolidated further across the individual subjects.
Across both schools a wide range of activities take place in Engineering and STEM week (in March) and STEM day to encourage students to enhance their skills and knowledge within STEM areas.
Did you know?
STEM related careers are some of the highest paid in the world on average earning around £60,000
72% of all UK businesses rely on people with STEM skills and qualifications
40,000 STEM related jobs go unfilled every year
Design Technology & Engineering Curriculum Documents