Design and Technology
Yvonne Howells - Head of Department
Ruth Humphreys - Fashion and Textiles
Sharon Morgan - Food and Nutrition
Daryl Walter - Technician
Some of this content was created before Covid-19 rules were in force.
Our vision is to give pupils the skills to become independent problem solvers by working on challenges where they can apply their skills, experiences and knowledge to design and make products within the different subject areas of Design and Technology.
ROOMS AND RESOURCES
The DT block is purpose built to deliver all subject areas of Design and Technology.
It has a fully furnished Design studio with 21 computers, 3D printer, laser machine, vinyl cutter there is also a room for the CNC machines.
The electronics room allows all pupils in the group to solder and assemble circuits at the same time safely while having enough space for written and designing tasks to take place.
There are 2 main product design workshops and a welding room all of which are fully equipped so your child can access and experience a wide variety of tools and machines safely at each key stage.
The Fashion and Textiles room is equipped with Sewing Machines, Over lockers, Digital Embroidery Machines, a Sublimation Printer, Heat Presses and students regularly use the laser cutter to cut fabric.
The Food and Nutrition classroom is designed to accommodate both theory and practical lessons. It is fully equipped with cookers, cooking equipment, resources and washing up areas in order for pupils to positively experience a broad range of theoretical and practical tasks.
KS3 pupils are split into groups and will follow Food and nutrition, Textiles and Product design rotations.
The priority in year 7 is for pupils to learn how to prepare, store and use ingredients, select materials, design and use equipment safely and accurately.
In Textiles, pupils learn how to use the sewing and digital embroidery machines whilst making hats which they have designed.
In Food and Nutrition, pupils learn how to select, weigh, prepare ingredients, produce and store nutritious dishes. These dishes include preparing fruit salad, cooking stir-fry and Pizza.
In theory lessons, pupils gain a knowledge and understanding of nutrients, eat-well guide, energy in food and how to follow a healthy diet.
In Product Design, pupils develop test and make informed decisions about their choice of metals and plastics, they then model, design and manufacture a candle holder and Mi pod, using a variety of hand tools and processes.
In year 8 pupils develop their skills further in Textiles by learning decorative techniques such as patchwork and applique when designing and making cushions.
In Food and Nutrition, pupils develop an understanding of food from around the world, looking at cultural influences, food provenance, food miles and food waste. Pupils choose to adapt ingredients for a variety of dishes such as bolognaise, chilli, curry and various sweet dishes associated with the theory work undertaken.
In Product Design pupils use 2D software to model designs that are then cut out using the laser machine.
Pupils manufacture a mould influenced by Welsh Celtic culture and using the low melt casting process create Pewter jewellery or a keyring.
They also learn about types of motion including how cams and followers work in order to design and manufacture a mechanical toy.
In Year 9, pupils choose two subject areas to study.
In Textiles, pupils are given the freedom to develop their own brief based on a broad context. This enables pupils to develop their analysis skills in preparation for the GCSE course.
Food and Nutrition focusses on developing the pupils baking skills in the Bake-off challenge.
Pupils learn how to make shortcrust pastry tarts, sausage rolls, Muffins, sweet and savoury breads and quiche. Pupils also research and develop their knowledge on functions of ingredients and participate in various scientific investigation in preparation for food and nutritional GCSE.
In Product Design pupils are given the opportunity to start using the iterative design approach that they will use at KS4. They look at how they can as designers consider the sustainability of a product while solving a problem given to them. Pupils then use a variety of designing and manufacturing processes to produce a product concentrating on its quality and finish.
KS4: FOOD AND NUTRITION
Pupils that choose to study Food and Nutrition at KS4 follow a robust programme of study that continues to develop their food planning and preparation techniques, cooking skills and abilities which they have gained and developed at KS3.
The main theory components of work include: Food commodities, principles of nutrition, diet and health, the science of food and where food comes from. Practical sessions echo units of work being studied over the two years.
The course breakdown is 40% exam and 60% coursework which consist of two Non-Examination Assessments, a food science investigation and a personal response to a given brief.
At the end of Year 11, pupils will sit an external examination worth 40% of the overall mark.
KS4: FASHION AND TEXTILES
In Year 10, pupils are give the opportunity to complete short practical projects with the aim of developing specific skills and knowledge.
Examples of products the pupils manufacture are…
Doorstops: Demonstrating understanding of methods of dyeing and decorating fabrics.
Christmas Decorations: Using CAD CAM to manufacture in quantity, developing knowledge of scales of production.
Hoodie: Developing dressmaking skills and understanding of construction processes.
During Year 11, pupils design and make products in response to a context set by the Exam Board.
KS4: PRODUCT DESIGN
Pupils that choose to study Product Design at GCSE will complete a variety of short projects in year 10 by using the iterative design process.
They are able to analyse existing products, gain knowledge and make informed decisions about material choices and manufacturing methods.
Pupils also develop their drawing and modelling skills so they can effectively communicate design ideas, looking at the customer’s wants, needs and values.
Projects include designing a candle holder that is influenced by man-made structures, demonstrating their understanding and use of metal working processes.
Links with the community allow pupils to follow an actual brief set by local people, this gives them the opportunity to talk with the customer and pitch their ideas to them and then manufacturing a product.
CAD CAM production methods are used such as the 3D printer, laser cutter, CNC router. To produce innovative products for sale at the Christmas fair.
In Year 11, pupils choose from three contextual challenges set by the examining board. This project is worth 50% of the overall marks awarded. Their knowledge can also be applied to practise exam questions in preparation for the externally assessed exam which is 50% of the qualification.
KS5: PRODUCT DESIGN
Product Design is offered at KS5. At AS and A level, pupils will be required to take one externally assessed written exam and produce one design and make task of their choice.
Sixth form pupils taking this subject will develop an ability to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focussed research tasks. Pupils will initiate and develop design solutions while making and testing prototypes. From this, pupils will make informed decisions regarding product design innovation and production.
They will also have the opportunity to use traditional and modern production processes in order to produce a quality product that is fit for purpose.
KS5: FASHION AND TEXTILES
The Sixth Form allows students the opportunity to study fashion at a deeper level and to hone their skills as they use more sophisticated techniques to design and make garments in response to a brief of their choice. A number of past-pupils are currently studying Fashion and hope to forge a career in the industry.
Pupils are given many opportunities to develop their skills in Design and Technology and several pupils have been selected to show case their work at the Welsh innovation awards.
We also celebrate pupils’ achievements within the department by hosting end of term tea parties whereby the Senior Management Team and governors present certificates to acknowledge innovation and creativity amongst individual pupils.
Pupils have opportunities to work independently and produce products for the school and national Eisteddfod competitions.