Curriculum
Design & Technology
Why study Design Technology?
Design Technology enables pupils to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design and by working with different resources, materials, and tools. As a result, pupils gain technical and design awareness, and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity.
Design Technology is in ever more demand in today’s 21st century, where practical skills are highly valued, and many individuals choose to run their own businesses and create their own products.
Studying this subject, in its unique and differential ways, allows for pupils to apply general knowledge and turn everyday activities into useful learning strategies.
How will I study Design Technology?
Pupils study Design Technology through project-based tasks. The curriculum teaches pupils to think creatively, and it encourages them to solve problems in innovative ways. They will use an iterative design process, in textiles, food and design technology. They will learn how electronic systems work and how to manufacture products that meet the needs of others. They will analyse and engage with existing materials and equipment including laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines and kitchenware. Pupils will utilise CAD/CAM technology and learn how they could apply their understanding in various situations. They will demonstrate their skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. Pupils will learn how to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve real-world problems in an exciting and engaging way. Ultimately, pupils become confident, competent, and creative designers who can think critically within a range of contexts.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
Pupils will analyse and explore existing products in order to develop their creative thinking and design skills. They will work to design briefs in all areas of Design Technology and develop products that address the needs of others.
During Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils will study design technology on a rotation between DT, Food and Textiles. Over the course of KS3 students will have the opportunity to use progressive technology to develop creative, technical and practical solutions to real world problems. They build a sound foundation for knowledge, understanding and skills using 3D printing, exploring a range of materials, CAD CAM design and manufacturing processes. We learn skills to test and evaluate work of others and pupils own work to meet design briefs and specifications as well as the exploration of the lifecycle of products and materials.
Pupils develop an awareness of the healthy eating initiatives and the importance of food choices and health as well as discovering cuisines from around the world.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
At KS4, pupils can choose to study Design Technology or Food and Nutrition. The knowledge and skills that have been acquired during KS3 Design Technology provide a strong foundation for these qualifications.
Design Technology covers three main principals: Core technical; Specialist technical; Designing and making. These principals cover a broad range of topics from selection of materials, ecological and social footprints of materials and processes, surface treatments and finishes through to the focus on different types of specialist materials such as timber or metal based materials through to polymers or electronic and mechanical systems as well as 3D printing technologies. The NEA allowed students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge by working through a project from initial design to prototyping.
Food Preparation and Nutrition covers a wide range of skills and knowledge that are integrated into five key areas: Food, nutrition and health; Food science; Food safety; Food choice; Food provenance. In this GCSE there are two NEA practical assessments which allow students to demonstrate their understanding of these five areas as well as applying the twelve practical skills. Students will cover the functional properties and chemical processes, as well as the nutritional content, of good and drinks. They will learn about the relationship between diet, nutrition and health including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health. We will look at the economic, environmental, ethical and socio-cultural influences on food availability, production processes, and diet and health choices. Student will have the opportunity to explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions (traditional British and international).
Assessment at Key Stage 4
GCSE AQA Design Technology (8552)
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 Written exam: 2 hours Total: 100 marks 50% of GCSE |
Section A – Core technical principles (20 marks) A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding. Section B – Specialist technical principles (30 marks) Several short answer questions (2–5 marks) and one extended response to assess a more in depth knowledge of technical principles. Section C – Designing and making principles (50 marks) A mixture of short answer and extended response questions. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
Non-exam assessment (NEA) Total: 100 marks 50% of GCSE |
Practical application of:
Substantial design and make task Assessment criteria:
Students will produce a prototype and a portfolio of evidence |
GCSE AQA Food Preparation and Nutrition (8585)
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
Paper 1: Food preparation and nutrition Written exam: 1hour 45 minutes Total: 100 marks 50% of GCSE |
Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from Sections 1 to 5 (Food, nutrition and health; Food science; Food safety; Food choice; Food provenance) The paper consists of Multiple choice questions (20 marks) and Five questions each with a number of sub questions (80 marks) |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
Non-exam assessment (NEA) Task 1: Food investigation (30 marks) Task 2: Food preparation assessment (70 marks) |
Task 1: Food investigation (30 marks) Students’ understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task. Written or electronic report (1,500–2,000 words) including photographic evidence of the practical investigation. Task 2: Food preparation assessment (70 marks) Students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved. Written or electronic portfolio including photographic evidence. Photographic evidence of the three final dishes must be included. |
Careers
The study of Design Technology in resistant materials, food and textiles can lead to future study and professions such as Software Game Developer, Chef, Nutritional Therapist, Art Curator, Graphic Designer and all areas of Engineering.
Useful Resources and Revision Support
- GCSE Design and Technology – AQA – BBC Bitesize
- KS3 CGP Design and Technology The Study Guide
- Collins- Food Preparation and Nutrition