Design and 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 graphics. They will learn sewing skills, creative design and nutritional value. They will analyse and engage with existing materials and equipment including sewing and kitchenware. 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?
During Year 7, pupils will study typography and create designs through illustration. In food, they will learn to build an understanding of healthy eating, seasonality, and the importance of minimising waste. Within textiles, they will learn to use hand sewing equipment and learn how fabrics and fibres are constructed, creating a felt monster.
During Year 8, pupils will study colour and target audience in design, creating design illustration in the process. They will study international foods. They will learn about e-textiles by using conductive thread to create a circuit to operate a light-up keyring. They will explore several ideas, mechanisms, concepts and approaches to understanding the best possible solution.
During Year 9, pupils will explore African culture through batik and sewing in textiles. They will develop their graphic design skills with a focus on composition in design, as well as learning more about food science.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
At KS4, pupils can choose to study GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition. The knowledge and skills that have been acquired during Design Technology at KS3 provide a strong foundation for this qualification. Food Preparation and Nutrition allows pupils to explore areas such as food science, nutrition and health and work on developing and honing their practical skills. In Year 11 students will carry out their Non-Exam Assessment where they will apply principles learned in Year 10 and apply them to a given task given by the exam board. As they develop their skills and understanding, they will refine their ideas and gain confidence through experimentation and exploration.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Paper 1: Written Exam – 50% | Students will focus on theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition. This will be assessed through a written exam. Students will have multiple choice questions and five questions each with a number of sub questions. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
Non-exam Assessment: Externally Set Tasks: Task 1: Food Investigation Task 2: Food Preparation Assessment |
In task 1, students’ understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients will be assessed through a written or electronic report (1,500-2,000 words) which must include photographic evidence of the practical investigation. In task 2, students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes. This is to be recorded through written or electronic portfolio including photographic evidence. |
KS4 Food Exam Board Specification: AQA GCSE Food (8585)
Enrichment
The faculty offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s Food Technology room and IT facilities as well as specialist design resources.
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
- Student Art Guide
- Bitesize Art & Design
- Arts Council
- Tate