Design and Technology inspires students to solve real life problems by applying design skills to practical situations. Students need to utilize skills learnt in Maths, Science, Engineering and Art and Design to produce solutions that meet the needs of people. The solutions that students create will need to be functional but also aesthetically pleasing: encouraging students to develop creativity and imagination. Students will work with different materials such as wood, metal, plastics, textiles, food, paper and board improving practical skills and hand eye co-ordination. Students will also consider the impact of their designs on the community and environment looking at ways to reduce waste and can save limited resources by investigating new and emerging technologies.
Within Year 7 and 8 students are assessed on three key areas throughout the year; Design, Making and Knowledge in line with GCSE assessment criteria. Year 7 and 8 students will complete projects in Food, Graphics, Metals, Plastics/Woods and Textiles. They will be encouraged to apply creativity and problem solving skills.
Students are set two homework’s per project and are expected to spend at least an hour to complete it to the best of their ability.
Students receive highlighted marking criteria along with questioning to help them understand how to progress next time. Student’s then respond to the feedback amending or adding to the work, along with a statement to ensure students understand what they need to do to enhance progress.
Year 9 students opt for their Technology option (which also includes ICT and Computing), to ensure a focussed approach to the year and curriculum. The Design and Technology options are; Graphic Design, Materials: Woods, Metals and Plastics, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Engineering and Textiles.
Within their chosen option students will learn more technical subject content and develop skills ready to approach the KS4 qualifications by undertaking mini projects that reflect the qualifications specification.
Year 9 will be assessed throughout the year based on the qualifications criteria. They will be given exam questions on a regular basis to check understanding of subject knowledge and specification content.
Homework will be set on a regular basis to coincide with lesson objectives and specification content. All KS3 groups are in mixed ability and have maximum class sizes of 20 per group.
The KS4 Qualifications that are currently available in Design and Technology are:
• AQA GCSE Design and Technology (focussing on a Materials approach)
• AQA GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
• AQA GCSE Art and Design (focussing on a Textiles approach)
• NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Graphic Design
• NCFE Level 2 Technical Award in Engineering
Within GCSE Subjects in Design and Technology students are assessed throughout the course, they are assessed on mini projects to develop skills for the final controlled assessment and are set exam questions regularly. Students also have 2 trial exams, one at the end of year 10 and one during year 11.
The Year 11 GCSE in Design and Technology and GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is split 50% exam and 50% NEA.
Within the NCFE Technical Award Qualifications, they are made up of a variety of units that are assessed throughout Year 10 and Year 11 and will form part of their overall grade. Students sit their real external exam in year 10, with a potential to re-sit in Year 11 if necessary.
Graphic Design is made up of 4 units and an exam.
1. Introduction to Graphic Design
2. Graphic Design Practice
3. Responding to a Graphic Design Brief
4. Graphic Design Portfolio
Engineering is made up of 2 units one is an exam.
1. Understanding the Engineering World (exam)
2. Skills and Techniques in Engineering (synoptic project)
Youngsters have the opportunity to attend study support at lunches and afterschool. Also throughout the year youngsters may be invited to partake in activities and trips. Previous activities and trips include:
• Technology Enterprise Club
• Jaguar/Land Rover
• Tomorrows Engineers, learn by design
• Lees Brook Achievers Club
• University of Derby disaster shelter project
• Design and Technology club for higher achievers
• Big Bang - learn by design.
• Future Chef
• Derby College Textiles event
• Derby University Graduate show for Textiles and Resistant Materials
• London Fashion Week
• Project Runway
• Faraday Challenge
Post 16 Course and qualifications
You can go on to do A-Levels and equivalent qualifications in all areas of Design and Technology. These can lead on to University where wide ranges of degrees are available from Engineering, Fashion, Product Design, Nutrition, Architecture and many more. Apprenticeships are also a great way of continuing to develop you technology skills by continuing with a hands on approach to your future career path.
Electrical Engineer, Teacher, Electrician, Electronics Engineer, Product Designer, Material Engineer, Chef, Hospitality, Dietitian, Product Developer, Caterer, Photographer, Interior Design, Architect, Information Drawing, Packaging Designer, Graphic Designer, Animator, Programmer, Advertising and Marketing, Web Designer, Furniture Design, Joinery, Interior Design, Fashion and Costume Design, Pattern Making, Fabric Design and Testing’s, Manufacturing, Retail, the list is endless…
Learning Director of Technology
Deputy Learning Director of Technology