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

J Williams | jwilliams@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Subject Lead

C Robinson | crobinson@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk (DT and Drama)

Teachers and instructors

A 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.

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

Introduction to DT	Topic	Skills	Type of Assessment
Autumn	Design Challenge Novelty Pen	Practical: Design Practical: Making	Design Challenge Plastic Pen Creation
Spring	Pencil Pouch Car Creation	Practical: Design Practical: Making	Design Skills Design Specification
Summer	Maze Project 1980’s Design	Practical: Making Practical: Design	Tool Use Iterative Design

Y8

Design and Creation Skills	Topic	Skills	Type of Assessment
Autumn	Wooden Puzzle Materials	Practical: Making Theory: Materials	Tool Use Paper & Boards
Spring	Aluminium Tag Inclusivity in DT	Practical: Making Practical: Design	Aluminium Tag Creation Inclusive Design
Summer	Junkology Tote Bag	Practical: Design & Making Practical: Design and Marking	Reusable Materials Tote Bag Creation

Y9

Honing skills for GCSE	Topic	Skills	Type of Assessment
Autumn	Phone Holder Innovative Design	Practical: Design and Making Practical: Design	Ergonomic Phone Holder Evaluation of innovative product
Spring	Wind Turbine Theatre Set	Practical: Making Practical: Design & Making	Renewable Energy Theatre Set
Summer	Mini Design and Make	Theory: Mini-mock	Iterative Design for client

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.

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

Non-Examined Assessment (Course work) 50%

Written Exam 50%

Course work catch up sessions
Monday	Lunch time: 13.30 – 14.00
Wednesday	After school: 15.30 – 16.30
Friday	After school: 15.30 – 16.30

Y10

Autumn 1	Timber Paper and boards Polymers Textiles
Autumn 2	Industry and enterprise People Culture and Society Production techniques and systems Informing design decisions - Sustainability and the environment
Spring 1	Modern materials Composite Materials Smart Materials Energy Generation
Spring 2	Energy storage Improving functionality The 6 Rs Scales of production
Summer 1	Investigation, primary and secondary research The work of others Design stargates Communication of design
Summer 2	Selection of materials and components Tolerance Material management Tools equipment and finishes Surface treatments and finishes

Y11

Autumn 1	Systems Approach to design Electronics systems processing Energy storage
Autumn 2	Mechanical devices Forces and Stresses Material management Surface treatment and finishes Tools equipment techniques
Spring 1	Selection of materials and components Tolerance
Spring 2	The work of others Design strategy Communicating of design Selection of materials Tolerance
Summer 1	Revision
Summer 2	Final Exam

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: