Design and Technology

Ideas must be put to the test. That's why we make things, otherwise they would be no more than ideas.

Andy Goldsworthy

In Design Technology students get an opportunity to explore creativity and hands on learning. It enables them to explore different materials and technologies to bring their design ideas to life. They have the opportunity to explore, design, make and evaluate, a process which enables them to reflect on their learning at each stage.

Head of Creative Arts and Technology

Gwen Frye | gfrye@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Subject Lead

Asma Ali | aali@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Teachers and instructors

Adrian Ruda | aruda@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk (Food Technology and DT)

Curriculum Intent

We aim to deliver an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

The overarching concepts of Design Technology

Investigate and select appropriate information which feeds into them avoiding design fixation and promotes risk taking
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

10 key skills we imbed into Design Technology

Iterative, investigation, Justifying, imaginative & creative, innovative, modelling, skilled, communication, evaluation, mathematical

Implementation

In Key stage 3 and 4 learning is imbedded through practical application in focus practical tasks or design and make activities. We layer theoretical knowledge in a spiral curriculum driven from AQA GCSE Design and Technology. Assessment is broken into the different sub-sections of the AQA marking criteria, using the same language. Assessment takes place into all areas of the marking proforma and covers written, practical and exam style outcomes.

During years 7, 8 and 9 students study a broad range of material areas and benefit from using specialist equipment in particular rooms. Projects vary in length over half terms or full terms.

Curriculum Map

KS3

Design Technology is taught in Y7-Y9. We cover a range of material areas, techniques and skills in order to prepare the students for the DT GCSE. They are given the opportunity to take part in a wide range of different projects which enables the students to develop and cultivate their interest in Design Technology.

Y7

Project 1- Introduction to DT and H&S

Workshop tour and discussing rules for workshop safety.

DT Graphics Skills-

Basic drawing technical skills. Isometric projection and perspective drawing.

Project 2- Design and Make Textiles

Phone Pouch (Making skills)-

Introduction to fabric and fibres. How to stitch and add applique. Learn hand sewing and decorative skills.

Project 3- Design and Make- Plastics

Novelty Plastic Pen (Making skills)

Design and made a novelty pen. Cut and shape acrylic using various tools and machines in the workshop. Cover Health and Safety practices. EXT: Create sustainable packaging for pen.

Y8

Project 1- Design and Make

Wooden Puzzle

How to cut and shape natural/man made wood using various tools and machines to sand and drill holes.

Project 2- Designing and Modelling

Bug hotel (3D Modelling)

Design and develop a big hotel. Explore a range of drawing skills and CAD. Use Sketch up for 3D modelling. Extension: Create a card model.

Project 3- Paper and Boards Theory

2D-3D nets

Understand where paper and boards come from. Explore the how nets work to create 3D shapes. Create your own character out of nets.

Y9 Carousel

Project 1- Design innovation

Dragons Den Challenge

Create an innovative product/service.

Smart and Modern materials Theory- Design your own Smart Material

Project 2: STEAM-Sustainability

Wind turbine project

Understanding the importance of renewable energy sources. Re-design and develop the existing wind turbine. Develop modelling skills using card.

Project 3: Design and Make

Desk Tidy (Making skills)

Using inspiration from a chosen design era to help influence the design of your desk tidy. Cutting and shaping wood and assembling.

KS4

GCSE Design and Technology (AQA) will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. Our GCSE allows students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.

The course is 50% exam and 50% NEA.

Y10

Flying start- Introductions to DT GCSE. Researching the work of designers and companies. Paper and boards theory, Smart and Modern materials theory

Autumn 1 Autumn 2- Eco hotel project

Spring 1 Spring 2-Mini NEA product in a tin

Summer 1- Other theory (CAD/CAM, Renewable energy & Social/Moral issues

Summer 2- Contextual challenge revealed. Student start working on NEA (Section A). DT mock exam

Y11

Autumn 1: Continue working on NEA. Complete sections A and B

Autumn 2: Complete AO2- Sections C and D.

Spring 1- Complete development and modelling prototype. Complete AO3- Sections E and F. Prepare for exam

Spring 2- Recap theory and prepare for final exam

GCSE Subject Specification

Please click through to the links to view more information on the AQA website.

Design and Technology - AQA Exam Board

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/design-and-technology/specifications/AQA-8552-SP-2017.PDF

Useful websites

Things to do and see

Visit the Design Museum. Free workshops around Camden and Kings Cross (Keep an eye on the family bulletin for latest opportunities).

KS5

As part of the LaSWAP consortium, Acland Burghley offers the following level 3 courses: