COURSE
OUTLINE
The Technology course for Key Stage
3 is now organised as TWO sessions of about 46 weeks, the first
of which will run into Year 8. During this time, all pupils
will pass through a number of different teaching areas (modules) on a strictly
time-tabled rota. At the end of each Module all pupils will be given a short
test, taking about 25 minutes. The result of these tests will be collated to
obtain the overall marks for the pupil's reports at the end of the year.
At the end ofthe year, they will undertake a design based exam, using research
information they will have gathered prior to the exam.
In order to undertake the work, your child will need the following equipment:
 An apron, or something
similar to cover up their school uniform.
A calculator
Basic
drawing equipment, including a Hb and an H pencil, and a selection
of colouring crayons.
From time to time, your child will undertake a number of tasks where they will
be asked as to whether they wish to take the work home at the end of the module.
If they wish to take the work home, they will be asked to make a payment to cover
the cost of the materials. There is no obligation to take work home.
COURSE CONTENT
FIRST SESSION
Control
An introduction to Electronics, Pneumatics and Computer Control
Structures
A study of how objects are put together, and why. Pupils study forces on objects,
design a badge and test to destruction.
Food
A look at Healthy eating and basic food technology.
Graphics
Pupils will study the traditional
techniques of technical drawing, and the application of graphical
techniques to help them communicate their ideas.
Resistant
Materials
Pupils will design and make a project with resistant materials.
During all of these activities, the use of lnformation Technology will be linked
into all the work, so the pupils will appreciate the need or otherwise for I.C.T.
in the area of technology as a whole.
 USE OF ICT
(Information and Communication Technology)
Using Information Technology is one of the skills that all pupils' need. Many
subject lessons make use of the IT. Information Technology lessons form part
of the Technology lessons on the timetable in years 7-9. Pupils will have an
average of one lesson per week but this will be taught in double periods, where
possible, in order to gain the maxi-mum 'hands-on' time each lesson.
The Information Technology course in Year 7 will attempt to initiate a process
of producing pupils who are competent and confident users of IT not only within
the Department but wherever they meet a need for IT in the School. The lessons
are therefore designed to teach the necessary skills. Pupils will look at the
use of networked computers and printers using a variety of content free software
- including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, DTP and the Internet.
HOMEWORK
Homework will not usually be set in Information Technology lessons but the department
reserves the right to set homework if it is felt appropriate. This may be written
or preparation rather than com-puter-based (the Information Technology Department
recognises that not all pupils have access to computer equipment at home) but
where it must be done on the computer adequate time will be allowed so that pupils
can complete the work in school in one of the IT Club sessions (before 8:50 am,
lunchtime and after school most days).
TESTING
Testing will be conducted where it is considered appropriate but, given that
this is a new subject to most of our pupils, will not be greatly emphasised in
Year 7.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Parents are at their most helpful when they support the stated aim of the Department
in producing competent and confident users of IT. Discussion of the use of IT
and how it affects the lives of all is often the most useful support.
Many parents now use IT equipment in their places of work and their experiences
(good and bad) are of value to new users.
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